Golden State Warriors: The Warriors Are a Center Away from Being a Contender

The Golden State Warriors are like a glazed donut—sweet around the outside, but they have a hole in the middle. 

Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, Dorell Wright and David Lee make for a nice guard/forward group, but the Warriors have a major liability in center Andris Biedrins.  The big man averaged roughly five points and seven rebounds per game last season, making him easily one of the least productive centers in the NBA.

Of course, a lot of nights, David Lee played center in the "Nellie Ball" system that the Warriors ran under former coach Don Nelson.  With Mark Jackson taking over, I would be willing to bet Lee will be a full-time power forward now.

I really like the direction the Warriors are headed in.  They have some dynamic, athletic, talented young players.  They hired a charismatic coach who, in my opinion, will bring out the best in these young guns.  They have new ownership that is committed to winning.

They even brought in The Logo, Mr. Jerry West, to help in the front office.

Now if they can just find a center!

Last season Stephen Curry put up 18.6 points per game, and as I wrote yesterday, I think he is one of the bright young stars in the game today.  Monta Ellis is a volume scorer and a liability on defense, but he averaged 24.1 points per game last season.  Even if his usage rate drops a little, he is still going to be one of the better scoring wing guards in the league.

Dorrell Wright averaged 16.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season.  Wright has the ability to stretch the floor, hitting almost 38 percent of his three's last season.  David Lee nearly averaged a double-double, putting up 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Throw in backup point guard Acie Law (acquired via trade), athletic small forward Al Thornton (acquired via trade), promising young power forward Ekpe Udoh, talented swing man Reggie Williams, and rookie Klay Thompson, and the Warriors suddenly look promising.

Well, they look good everywhere except in the middle.

The first place I'd look for a big man would be on the free agent market.  That's where you can find Tyson Chandler, who anchored the World Champion Dallas Mavericks' front line last season.  Chandler is going to cost you a pretty penny, and you know Mark Cuban is going to try to match anything you put up, but I think the Warriors should make a run at Chandler.

I know that scenario is a long shot.  If it didn't work out, the next call I'd make would be to Cleveland.  I'm sure they are looking to move some veterans to make room for their young kids to get some more playing time.  One guy to ask about would be Anderson Varejao.  He is hard working, tough, rugged, and he doesn't need the ball to be a good player.

If the Warriors could add a guy like Varejao, and he could make even a minimal impact on the defensive end of the floor, then I truly believe Golden State could be a dark horse playoff team this season.