Golden State Warriors: Veteran Free Agents That Would Make Them Playoff Threats

Golden State needs to add a few other pieces to its roster, and those should come in the form of veteran players.

The Warriors are optimistic headed into next season, especially since acquiring big man Andrew Bogut this spring, but there are a few weak areas to consider. 

While their core five are decently stable, the Warriors need to add depth at the point guard and forward positions. They also need to step it up in the defense department.

Here are five veteran free agents that could make Golden State relevant in the 2012-2013 postseason.

Kenyon Martin

At 34 years old, Clippers forward Kenyon Martin has a few good years remaining.

Although not a major scorer, Martin averages a steal and a block per game, and Golden State needs to look for more defensive-minded players right now.

Martin is an aggressive player that wouldn't mind coming off the bench at this point in his career, so he could be a perfect fit for the Warriors.

Marcus Camby

Although the Warriors have Bogut to start at center, Marcus Camby would be a too-good-to-be-true backup.

In an ideal situation, Camby could come off the bench when Golden State needed a boost on defense. The 38-year-old averages 1.5 blocks and nine rebounds per game, and his age hasn't significantly decreased his athleticism.

The issue here would be whether or not Camby would be willing to make the move to the West Coast.

It never hurts to ask.

Matt Barnes

I'm not sure he'd be interested in leaving the Lakers, but Matt Barnes would make an excellent addition to Golden State's roster.

Barnes will be entering his 11th year in the league, and he's played for eight different teams—including Golden State once already from 2006-2008. Since the Warriors were successful with Barnes, he'd be a great player to have back.

In 2011-2012, Barnes averaged one block, 5.4 rebounds and 7.8 points per game. Although he's not huge statistically, the forward generates steals and is able to match pace with opponents on the floor.

Grant Hill

At almost 40 years old, forward Grant Hill still averages 10 points per game.

Age doesn't seem to be a factor for Hill, as he consistently delivers performances both on offense and defense. His position at small forward is one of the Warriors' biggest weak spots.

Hill is coming off surgery to repair a torn meniscus, which could make him a bigger gamble. On the other hand, this factor could give Golden State a chance to lure him from Phoenix and make a significant impact on the Warriors' starting five.

Steve Nash

Although I don't see Steve Nash leaving the Suns, stranger things have happened in the NBA. I can't resist putting this out there as a possibility because Nash would resurrect any team he landed with.

At 38 years old, Nash would not only help the quickness on defense, but he would raise offensive performance as well. He averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists per game in 2011-2012.

Nash coming to Golden State might be considered a long shot, but no dream is too big for a Warriors fan.