Steve Kerr has officially announced the addition of another terrifying NBA wizard to bolster his team’s assault.
Throughout the 2023–24 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors have seldom, if ever, resembled a team that is a title contender.
However, that level still seems at least somewhat reachable for this group—possibly with some action before the trade deadline of February 8th.
Stephen Curry is astonishingly still playing at the top of his game, so the Warriors might feel pressured to add a player who can make a big difference during trade season. For different reasons, the three players listed below would be suitable.
Even with Stephen Curry’s incredible contributions, Golden State’s offense has occasionally been a grind.
Something that Bojan Bogdanović could help change.
The 6’7″ swingman is an expert scorer who can maintain the scoreboard moving inside the arc and light the lamp from a distance. He possesses the fundamental dribble-pass-shoot skill set needed for players to succeed in this system, but he is also deft enough to create some of his own scoring opportunities.
Despite receiving virtually little assistance in Detroit, he has been able to sustain his effective shooting. If Bogdanović is paired with a dominant player like Curry, however, he may find cleaner looks that propel his connection rates to all-time highs.
The Warriors don’t have nearly enough two-way players on their roster, despite having a large number of average to good players.
On defense, traffic cones are some of their best offensive options. On the other hand, their best stoppers frequently reduce their offensive spacing with atrociously poor shooting.
Even though he doesn’t have the greatest bag, Dorian Finney-Smith can play both ends of the court. His best work is done defensively, where he can harass point producers of almost any size and style thanks to his full-throttle motor and lanky 6’7″ frame. He excels as a play-finisher on offense, able to make catch-and-shoot threes and finish scoring opportunities at the hoop.
He would come at a relatively steep price because three-and-D wings are still one of the most sought-after archetypes in the modern Association. That kind of player might be necessary enough for the Warriors to justify the expense.
The Golden State Warriors’ Pascal Siakam
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Jan. 1, Toronto, Ontario: On January 1, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Pascal Siakam (#43) of the Toronto Raptors celebrates a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena.
Pascal Siakam might be the Warriors’ best option to satisfy their itch if they determine that their roster has shortcomings that can only be fixed by a high-profile trade.
He’s not a perfect fit, I admit. Although he has never been the most consistent shooter, this may be the least dangerous three-point shot he has made since earning a starting position. Additionally, he is accustomed to receiving more touches than the Warriors might provide him.
Having said that, he’s a very good player—sometimes even the best—who leaves his mark in almost every area. He can function as the team’s primary playmaker or go-to scorer. He is able to play both sides of a pick-and-roll. He is able to finish above and at the rim. He’s capable of covering most opponents outside of big-body centers.
To be honest, I don’t think Golden State could afford him, but if the Warriors offered their best trade assets, maybe the Raptors would consider them. He believes that the most talented player this team might be able to afford is if Golden State decides to put talent above all else.
