After reports pointing to the contrary in recent days, the Golden State Warriors are expected to forego the addition of future hall of fame center Dwight Howard to their vacant 14th roster spot.
The eight-time All-Star had become the buzz name around the Bay this week, with Howard having spent two days with franchise before working out with veterans Draymond Green and Chris Paul in Los Angeles.
The Golden State Warriors decision on Dwight Howard places pressure on a pair of their young big men in Trayce Jackson-Davis and Usman Garuba.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania on Friday, the Warriors evaluation of potential big men may be over for the moment, with the likes of Howard, Derrick Favors and Dewayne Dedmon having held workouts in recent weeks.
"“The Warriors are not expected to sign Dwight Howard or another veteran center ahead of training camp. Howard had a two day visit with the Warriors this week that included meetings and workouts, but the Warriors are now expected to maintain flexibility to sign a potential big man later in camp or into the regular season”, Charania said."
Golden State Warriors' decision on signing a vet center such as Dwight Howard: pic.twitter.com/a04oOXdhfF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2023
The Athletic’s Anthony Slater added that “an extra wing” has become the priority for Golden State when training camp begins in less than two weeks. The decision on Howard and the other veteran big men clearly shows a confidence in the franchise’s young centers.
The Warriors traded for and acquired Trayce Jackson-Davis with the 57th overall pick in the draft, with the 23-year-old potentially set for a limited role in his rookie season having “impressed since arriving” according to Slater.
Golden State most recently signed former first-round pick Usman Garuba to a two-way contract. The Spanish international appeared in 99 games with the Houston Rockets over his first two seasons, with his defensive versatility and passing seen as elements of upside within the Warrior system.
Clearly the franchise feels comfortable in utilizing Jackson-Davis and/or Garuba around their primary options of Kevon Looney, Dario Saric and Draymond Green, but that does place some pressure on the young big men should injury hit at some point this season.