The idea of Yaxel Lendeborg playing some small-ball five minutes was floated from the moment he was drafted in June, but the 11th overall pick isn't the only new center option for the Golden State Warriors entering the season.
Veteran forward Georges Niang has already played some small-ball center minutes during scrimmages at training camp this week, with head coach Steve Kerr confirming it as a genuine option as the Warriors seek more of a five-out offense.
Warriors have new small-ball center option in Georges Niang
Niang actually played 19% of his minutes at center in his last stint in the league with the Atlanta Hawks, but has otherwise played the position for just 3% of his career minutes according to Basketball Reference.
Those numbers suggest it would be a surprising move, yet it's one the Warriors are clearly trialling and could look at during their six-game preseason. The potential issues clearly come defensively where despite being a similar size to Draymond Green, Niang doesn't have anywhere near the same defensive acumen of versatility.
"He's capable of playing small-ball five but you've got to put the right group around him, more for your defense than for your offense. It's no different to most players, you've always have to find the right five-man group," Kerr said of Niang at training camp.
The offensive versatility is intriguing though, particularly for a Golden State team that's seemingly leaning even more on the 3-point shot after leading the league in attempts last season. Niang is going to be able to pull opposing bigs away from the basket, having shot 39.9% from beyond the arc for his career, including 40.6% in his last campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Hawks.
Warriors have options and versatility in the frontcourt
Even with injured six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler on the sidelines, the Warriors still have versatility and more optionality in the frontcourt entering the season. Kerr will start Lendeborg, Draymond Green and Al Horford in Sunday's preseason opener against the L.A. Clippers, with both forwards sure to play some minutes as small-ball centers this season.
Throw in Niang and Charles Bassey, along with two-way contracted big Graham Ike who has impressed Green during training camp. The wildcard is Kristaps Porzingis who has missed training camp due to another health concern, with the 7'3" center set to play a pivotal role when available.
The Warriors have more size and defensive integrity than what they've had in recent years, but the offensive potential with Niang at the five could be too tempting for Kerr to turn down in some bench units.
Add us as a preferred source on Google