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Golden State Warriors: 3 best forwards still available in free agency

By Peter O'Keefe

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Justise Winslow of the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 27, 2019. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Justise Winslow of the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 27, 2019. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Justise Winslow

The major hype early in Justise Winslow’s career has never really materialized — the Boston Celtics reportedly offered six picks, including four first-rounders to try and acquire Winslow before the Miami Heat took him with the 10th pick in 2015. Now eight years into his career, the 27-year-old faces a pivotal juncture in a career plagued by injury and one that’s never quite got going as a result.

At his best Winslow has been compared to a lesser version of Draymond Green — a versatile 6’8″ defender who provides point-forward skills on offense with an unreliable perimeter shot. The issue is that he’s never found the system to fit into as seemlessly as Green has in his 11-year career with the Warriors.

Winslow’s best year came in his fourth season where he started 52 games and averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Since then he’s made brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers and most recently the Portland Trail Blazers. The former Duke product appeared in just 29 games last season (none after Christmas), averaging 6.8 points, five rebounds and 3.4 assists in 26.8 minutes per game.

Talent-wise Winslow deserves another opportunity and is one of the best remaining free agent forwards. However, time is running out for him to make a considerable impact on a playoff-worthy team. Although the Warriors may be able to acquire Winslow on a minimum deal, his shooting issues mean he’s probably not a fit alongside the likes of Kuminga and Gary Payton II.

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