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Former Golden State Warriors forward should be in position for roster spot after latest reports

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play with Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on April 25, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Juan Toscano-Anderson #95 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play with Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on April 25, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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To the surprise of many among the fanbase, the Golden State Warriors chose to turn their back on the potential acquisition of veteran center Dwight Howard. Instead, the franchise is set for a training camp battle to determine their vacant 14th roster spot.

After holding workouts with veteran big men like Howard, Derrick Favors and Dewayne Dedmon over recent weeks, it appears the Warriors are comfortable with their center rotation heading into the season.

One former Golden State Warriors forward should be in prime position to win a training camp battle for the 14th roster spot.

After The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the Howard news on Friday, his colleague Anthony Slater added that “an extra wing has become the camp priority for the Warriors”. 

While not specifically a wing player as such, the franchise’s hesitancy towards adding another big man should put former Warrior Juan Toscano-Anderson at the front of the queue heading into training camp.

Gary Payton II and Juan Toscano-Anderson of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Gary Payton II and Juan Toscano-Anderson of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Toscano-Anderson has held multiple workouts with Golden State this offseason, and a recent photo of his locker, along with one of another former Warrior in Kent Bazemore, suggests that the pair will be among the free agents at training camp.

The 30-year-old averaged 13.5 minutes across played 52 games with the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz last season. His numbers weren’t overly productive, but adding Toscano-Anderson would be far from simply about the on-court output.

The 2022 NBA champion brings an energy to the franchise that they found hard to replace in his absence last season. Toscano-Anderson adds plenty to the cultural aspect of the group, and on the floor is someone capable of fitting into and understanding the Warrior system during limited minutes.

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In terms of ‘wing’ options, Golden State recently held workouts with long-time Denver Nuggets starter Will Barton and 24-year-old Jaylen Nowell, along with Bazemore. Training camp begins on October 2.

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