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3x champion may come to regret forgoing Golden State Warriors reunion

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 31: JaVale McGee #1 of the Golden State Warriors and Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings compete at the tip off to start a game at Golden 1 Center on March 31, 2018 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 31: JaVale McGee #1 of the Golden State Warriors and Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings compete at the tip off to start a game at Golden 1 Center on March 31, 2018 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have missed out on some potential free agent centers over recent weeks, including former big man and three-time champion Javale McGee.

Now it’s been reported that the Warriors had interest in a reunion with the 35-year-old, before McGee ultimately chose to sign with the Sacramento Kings following his departure from the Dallas Mavericks.

Given the contrasting nature of both center rotations, Javale McGee may come to regret choosing the Sacramento Kings over the Golden State Warriors.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, McGee saw the Kings as a more attractive destination with the idea of meaningful playing time under long-time Warrior assistant coach Mike Brown.

"“Known commodity JaVale McGee was a nice late-offseason addition for the Kings (especially considering they won his services over the pursuing Warriors),” Amick wrote. “The state of his 36-year-old game (beyond this recent highlight reel) remains to be seen, but I’m told the Kings’ optimistic plan would be for him to play a significant role.”"

JaVale McGee of the Golden State Warriors talks to friends during the Victory Parade on June 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
JaVale McGee of the Golden State Warriors talks to friends during the Victory Parade on June 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The promise of a ‘significant role’ is an interesting one given the options available at Brown’s disposal. All-Star Domantas Sabonis is expected to see close to 35 minutes per game once again, and given his jump shooting struggles against Golden State in the first-round of the playoffs, it’s unlikely many of those are as part of a twin-tower setup.

That leaves 13-15 minutes between McGee, another offseason acquisition in Nerlens Noel, and incumbent backup center Alex Len. Although that leaves some varying options for Brown, it doesn’t scream significant role for McGee or either of the other two.

On the other hand, McGee could have filled a hole as the only genuine seven-footer on the Warrior roster. Kevon Looney, Dario Saric and Draymond Green are expected to share the center minutes for Golden State this season, but there’s flexibility there to have added McGee or anyone else to the rotation.

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This is a big season for McGee who will be looking for another deal next offseason amid the twilight of his career. One has to think he may have gotten better opportunity with the Warriors, not to mention they’re arguably better placed than the Kings to add another championship in 2024.

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