NBA Rumors: Andrei Kirilenko Would Be Perfect Fit for Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors need to sign Andrei Kirilenko.

According to the Contra Costa Times' Marcus Thompson:

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The Warriors, according to league sources, have him [Kirilenko] on their wishlist...Kirilenko is a defensive specialist and the Warriors simply just need guys like that on the roster. Kirilenko can also play small forward, which he did for years with Utah. If his game is on point, he could even compete for the starting SF spot.

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Thompson goes on to say that the Warriors could possibly sign him to a veteran's minimum contract—a deal that would be too good to pass up, in my mind.

At this time, the Warriors have three small forwards on their roster: Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Richard Jefferson. Barnes and Green are both rookies, and though they are talented young players, they are both as green as it gets.

Jefferson is a 32-year-old veteran who's in the twilight of his career. His production over the course of the last few years has fallen dramatically, and he has lost a step or three in the process. His knees are just about shot, and there isn't much gas left in his tank.

Kirilenko is only one year younger than Jefferson, but his defensive prowess and toughness is just what the Warriors need on their young roster. He comes from the Jerry Sloan, old-school style of play, and his winning attitude would certainly rub off on the rest of the team in short order.

The Warriors desperately need to change the culture of their franchise. They have been cellar-dwellers for far too long. Kirilenko is the perfect man to help the team reach that elusive goal, and the Warriors need to do everything they can to bring him on board.

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