Golden State Warriors: The Center of Attention for Next Season
Without a doubt, the big need for the Warriors is a center. Right now, David Lee is taking over those duties, but Lee is only 6'9". The Warriors starting center at the beginning of the season, Andris Biedrins, reminds me of what one of my buddies use to say to me. He used to say your big for nothing, and that nails Biedrins. Biedrins is a poor scorer, but will run into an occasional block or dunk.
The first thing the Warriors will have to do is evaluate Ekpe Udoh. Udoh has played in 55 games and has started 15 of those. Udoh provides a solid defensive presence, as he lead the team with 1.3 blocks a game. He is averaging a weak 3.9 PPG and three RPG. Udoh did struggle through a wrist injury prior to the season.
The Warriors are going to first check out what will be out there in free agency. DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol are both restricted free agents, and neither team will likely let them walk away. Zach Randolf could be a possibility as he is an unrestricted free agent and is averaging a whopping 12.3 RPG.
Kris Humphries will be a free agent, although he is the same height as David Lee. Humphries is averaging 10.4 RPG with 10 PPG. Samuel Dalembert is getting up there in age, but would provide much needed size. He is averaging eight RPG and eight PPG.
If Tim Duncan, David West or Nene Hilario enter free agency then the team should try to get one of the three. Tim Duncan is up there in age and the Spurs are not likely to let him go. David West would be a good fit as he can score and rebound the basketball very effectively.
The next option would be to get a big man in the draft. This does not look like a great option as the Warriors will likely sit anywhere from 10-15. They could draft either Morris brothers, but they are the same height as David Lee.
The Warriors are left in a tough spot in order to get bigger and better. This need is glaring after seeing the Warriors getting dominated on the glass. This team has great talent in David Lee, Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry.
All they would need is a presence down low that can be under the basket, get rebounds and provide some scoring.
