The Golden State Warriors came up flat in their pursuit of star power this summer, but that doesn’t mean they are totally done making moves. With Stephen Curry still playing elite basketball, the team remains in win-now mode, and the urgency to play competitive, meaningful games is unceasing.
In one offseason, they’ve struck out on several stars, including LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there is still a pathway to making some upgrades without breaking up their beloved core. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there are ties between them and a pair of veteran minimum-level free agents: Georges Niang and Kelly Olynyk.
The Warriors had plans to pursue a new co-star for Curry, but they had to settle on less ambitious goals after being denied. Fortunately, they were able to bring back Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green on new extensions, ensuring they have a viable frontcourt to play next to Steph. There’s also the addition of rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who may have earned a starting role after an impressive Summer League showing.
Overall, the Warriors were able to somewhat recover their losses this summer by stabilizing their situation and drawing a clear vision for the future, but now is not the time to get complacent. In fact, if they play their cards the right way, the Warriors can still add to their roster and fill their last two remaining roster spots with true difference-making players.
At 33 years old, Georges Niang isn’t going to move the needle for Golden State, but it would surely make life easier for Steph having another veteran shooter and scorer on the floor. In 28 games last season, Niang averaged 12.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 44.1% shooting and 41.3% shooting from three. At 6’6″ and 230 pounds, Georges Niang provides that crucial depth in the frontcourt that may just make or break their season.
If he’s unavailable, the Warriors might also consider Kelly Olynyk, another veteran power forward who can stretch the floor. In 42 games last season, Olynyk averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 49.0% shooting from the field. As someone who’s been on eight teams over 13 years, he knows how to adjust to various situations and has plenty of experience playing alongside elite talent.
Whoever the Warriors choose, it’s a sign they have not yet given up. With Curry, Green, and Porzingis, the Warriors hope to be competitive and stay afloat until the next opportunity to improve. As always, Jimmy Butler’s health will be something to monitor, but it won’t matter that he comes back if they don’t have enough support off the bench to make it count.
As much as Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton have earned their spots on the Warriors, they still need another spark, and that’s where Olynyk or Niang comes in. With some other scoring threat on the floor, it could make a massive difference for the Dubs, but it’ll be easier said than done to find the right fit. That’s why patience and caution will be the approach going into next season, as the Warriors aim to join the title pursuit.
