4 Big Men the Golden State Warriors Would Love to Acquire
The Warriors need a big man.
Andris Biedrins scores less points (5) and grabs less rebounds (7) than he is being paid in millions (9) each year.
That's never a good sign.
While his frontcourt mate David Lee has not proved that he is worth the ridiculous $80 million that Larry Riley paid for him in a sign-and-trade with the New York Knicks.
And that's exactly why we're exploring alternative options.
N.B. All transactions were created assuming a salary cap similar to that of the 2010-2011 season.
Lamar Odom
1 of 5Proposed Transaction:
Warriors Get: Lamar Odom
Lakers Get: Monta Ellis
Odom's name has been swirling around rumors regarding Monta Ellis nearly as much as Iguodala's. He's an athletic big man who can shoot from anywhere on the floor and can play and defend three positions well.
He would be an excellent addition to a team that thrives on fast pace and athleticism. In a potential deal for Ellis, he would take the scoring load off Curry and replace the void filled by the 25 PPG Ellis.
He is developing the three-point shot and is really learning to let it fly in addition to honing his back-to-the-basket game. He could be a dynamic forward who would definitely fit the fast-paced, high-flying Warriors.
Al Jefferson
2 of 5Proposed Transaction:
Warriors Get: Al Jefferson
Jazz Gets: David Lee, Al Thornton
Next to Tim Duncan, Al Jefferson has some of the best fundamentals in the game.
He has a terrific low-post game but has never been able to get back to the 23-point, 11-rebound guy who he was before he went down with in ACL injury during the 2008-2009 season.
With another change of scenery, the Jazz center could improve the Warriors' half-court game. Ellis and Curry turned the ball a lot last year. At a slower pace with a large guy like Jefferson, those turnovers wouldn't happen as much.
Also, he may be among the only true strong center in the league capable of defending the likes of Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum.
Andrew Bogut
3 of 5Proposed Transaction:
Warriors Get: Andrew Bogut
Bucks Get: David Lee
Andrew Bogut is one of the most skilled, big men in the game today.
Although that may seem surprising, his defensive ability is out of this world, and he can block shots like no other.
He has become an integral part of the Bucks' future with Brandon Jennings, after being selected No. 1 overall six years ago.
While GMs and fans alike have called him a bust, the truth is that he just developed slowly. He's nearing his prime and is a solid double-double guy, a type Larry Riley thought he was getting when he acquired David Lee.
The Warriors have no inside defensive presence, and he can be the guy.
Nene
4 of 5Proposed Transaction:
Warriors Sign Nene for $9 million (most of the available cap space)
The Brazilian is arguably the best big man available this summer during free agency, and the Dubs should try to acquire him.
He is an imposing defensive and rebounding presence and was a fundamental part of the Nuggets' playoff runs back when Carmelo was on the team.
While so many criticize the Warriors' small backcourt for their lack of defensive ability, the Ellis-Curry duo would be among the best defensive backcourts in the league if they had a guy like Nene behind them.
For example, take Rondo. Honestly, I'm not too sure if he'd be as terrific as a defender (no offense) without KG standing right behind him. He can go for steals that Ellis, and Curry just can't afford to do because then the lane would be right open.
Andris Biedrins and David Lee just don't cut it.
That's why Golden State needs a guy like Nene to hold down the fort defensively, and on the other side of the ball, set hard picks and be a tough post-up guy.
Thanks for Reading!
5 of 5As always, thanks for reading, and feel free to leave your ideas in the comments section below.
Also, please check out my other articles on the Warriors:
