The Golden State Warriors have enjoyed some of their most successful campaigns using what has been termed the “small ball” approach. Unfortunately, this hasn’t yielded the same result in recent outings. Addressing this matter, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy explained why the team would be taking a different approach in the upcoming season.
“I’d love to have an ability to play bigger with Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III in the frontcourt,” said Dunleavy, while addressing the matter of “size” in the Warriors’ roster. “And we can always go to our ace in the hole with Draymond at center, which we did basically from February 8 on.”
Dunleavy acknowledged the need for these elements after the team’s difficult run in the playoffs. After the games against the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, it had become abundantly clear that the team didn’t have the shooting, the agility, or the defensive flexibility to succeed with “small ball” over an entire postseason.
“You can get bigger, more athletic, more skilled in terms of shooting, passing, defending,” added the Warriors GM. “We can improve in a lot of areas while at the same time knowing we’re shored up and good in some areas. We’ll look to do those things. For sure, you can do that.”
Dunleavy hinted at the Warriors’ plans to do so in both free agency and the trade market.
Golden State will be one of the more interesting teams to follow in the offseason. The team’s plans for roster upgrades have featured the need for acquiring a big man as well as a relevant wing defender and playmaker.
Much of the Warriors’ assets for facilitating trades are tied to Jonathan Kuminga‘s upcoming contract extension. While the team would benefit from developing the forward, it has been made clear by head coach Steve Kerr that the 22-year-old may not get the minutes he would hope for in this lineup.
In light of this, Golden State is expected to use Kuminga as the primary piece in any trade scenario. By virtue of this, the Warriors have been featured in several trade rumors, including some blockbuster ones featuring Milwaukee Bucks‘ star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While the Bucks forward would solve many of the team’s immediate concerns, even considering his interest in playing alongside Stephen Curry, the Dubs may not be able to afford him.
Instead, the Warriors may turn their sights to the free agency market. Several talented players could garner the team’s attention, such as the Bucks’ stretch big man Brook Lopez.
Lopez would be a great acquisition for the Warriors if they could manage to afford him. Although he is 37 years old, Lopez offers a veteran presence on the court as well as reliable rim protection.
In 80 games played last season, the big man averaged 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from behind the three-point line. His ability to be a floor spacer could be of great value to the team.
Similarly, the Warriors have also been linked to players like Clint Capela and Daniel Gafford. With several options to pick from, it is apparent that Golden State’s front office will have its hands full in the offseason.
