It’s no secret that the Golden State Warriors roster is looking for one final piece. After signing Dario Saric, they remain the only team in the league without a player taller than 6-foot-10. They can vault further back into contender status if they search the market and find a great fit.
Golden State knows what they want. A big, versatile guy that can play the four or the five while rebounding effectively, stretching the floor, and playing the pick-and-roll/pop. Money is an issue for the Warriors, but here are the best players that fit the bill.
Candidates for the Warriors Final Roster Spot
Rudy Gay
https://twitter.com/TheWarriorsTalk/status/1678949829643501569?s=20
Rudy Gay does not fit Oklahoma City’s timeline in the slightest. With $6.5 million left on his expiring deal, the 36-year-old is an obvious buyout for the Thunder. Gay has been in the league for 17 years and is still without a championship. He’s a physical forward who can stretch the floor when needed, despite lackluster shooting last season with Utah (38% from the field and 25% from three). Gay fits what the Warriors are trying to do, knows the market for him, and would be willing to take the minimum to win.
Christian Wood
Christian Wood is probably the best fit for the Golden State Warriors. A 6-foot-10 forward/center, who has displayed an ability to show the ball at a high clip and finish at the rim. The fact that Wood is still on the market right now is a bit confusing. He’ll only be 28 when the season starts, and it seems nobody wants to give him more than the minimum. He played in 67 games last year, overshadowed by Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving. The best scenario for Wood is to sign a small, short-term deal to prove himself again and cash in the next couple of summers.
Bol Bol
https://twitter.com/GoIdenState/status/1676333686839554048?s=20
Hear me out. Bol Bol has all the talent and physical gifts in the world, but his surroundings have always been an issue. He was buried on the bench in Denver when they didn’t know how to use him. In Orlando, he played 21 minutes a game and averaged nine points on 55 percent shooting from the field. That is exactly what Golden State needs. If Bol could get set up by Chris Paul with the bench unit (hypothetically, Chris) he could be a highly efficient spark plug.
Frank Kaminsky
Frank Kaminsky is an intriguing choice for the Warriors. The 7-footer checks many boxes that may slip your mind. He’s got familiarity with Paul from 2020-22 (two years in which he played his most effectively, 51% FG and 35% 3FG) and would immediately be the tallest Warrior on the roster. He’s adaptable at the center spot and has shown an ability to contribute for a contender.
Any of these guys, along with a few others could bolster the end of the Golden State Warriors roster. Of course, JaMychal Green is an option to bring back, but I don’t see that happening. We’ll see what Golden State does before the season tips off.
