Potential options continue to circulate for the Golden State Warriors’ vacant 14th roster spot, particularly in the center department with the franchise thin on genuine big men beyond Kevon Looney.
It’s been confirmed that Golden State have held workouts with former first-round pick Harry Giles III this offseason, while 21-year-old Usman Garuba and former Warrior Javale McGee have emerged as potential options over recent days.
The Golden State Warriors reportedly have interest in six-time All-Star and former NBA Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin.
You can add long-time NBA veteran Blake Griffin to the mix of possible center candidates, with the 34-year-old former first overall pick linked with a move to the Warriors according to Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico.
"“It is believed the 76ers and Warriors are among some of the other teams interested in Griffin, as may be the Clippers…someone somewhere is likely to sign Griffin before camp tips off in late September/early October”, Amico wrote."
Griffin played for the Boston Celtics last season, averaging 13.9 minutes in 41 games including 16 starts during the regular season. He averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists, shooting 48.5% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range.
Once an All-NBA caliber player with the LA Clippers and Detroit Pistons, Griffin is far removed from the explosive 20+ point per game scorer he was for eight of his first nine seasons in the league. Having battled consistent injury issues, he’s now a 6’9″ center rather than the power-forward he’s typically been across his career.
Griffin could still prove valuable as a locker room presence capable of providing spot minutes behind Looney and the small-ball minutes of Draymond Green or Dario Saric at the five. He also has a major history with new Warrior Chris Paul, with the pair having combined to form the ‘Lob City’ era at the Clippers.
While he may not be a true playoff contributor at this point of his career, Golden State could do worse than signing Griffin if they’re looking for a backup big. The franchise will weigh up any potential center against the prospects of playing time for 23-year-old rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis whom the Warriors acquired with the 57th pick in a draft night trade in June.