Top 3 Centers The Warriors Can Add This Summer To Make One Last Championship Run With Stephen Curry
The Golden State Warriors have a lot to be proud of after the conclusion of another hard-fought season. While they didn't win the title this year, the Warriors showed astounding improvement with Jimmy Butler and managed to rise from 11th in the West up to 7th.
Behind the play of Butler, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green, the Warriors made it all the way to the Western Conference Semifinals before ultimately losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 5 games. Now that this campaign is over, the Warriors can begin making plans for the next campaign, which will see Curry, Draymond, and Butler return for their first full season as teammates.
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Even with that trio, however, the Warriors will need an upgrade at center if they want to maximize their title chances, and this upcoming summer is their next best chance to fill out the frontcourt before starting a new season.
With limited assets available, Golden State will have to be selective in who they target, but there are several names right now who could prove a valuable addition both on the trade market and in free agency. The question is, how much are the Warriors willing to give up in their pursuit of a big man?
Mark Williams Is Ready For Redemption
It's been a quiet tenure with the Hornets for young big man Mark Williams, but nobody has forgotten him being rejected by the Lakers. Back in February, Williams was on the verge of joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Los Angeles before GM Rob Pelinka got cold feet and failed his physical at the last minute. Williams was sent back to the Hornets that day, and it's where he's been ever since.
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With one year and $6.3 million left on his contract, Williams wouldn't be a major commitment for the Warriors, but he'll be eager to prove himself after being shunned by LA. At the very least, at 7'0" and 240 pounds, he'd bring much-needed size to the Warriors' frontcourt, which would help them in just about every aspect on the floor.
While maturity and work ethic seem to be an issue for Williams, his production on the court has been solid for the Hornets, and he could thrive with those skills alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. With averages of 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, Mark provides a steady presence under the rim, and that's exactly what the Warriors need for this final leg of Steph's journey.
Daniel Gafford Could Unlock The Warriors' Defense
In Dallas, the Luka Doncic trade sent shockwaves across the city, but things are looking up for the Mavericks after landing the top pick in the upcoming draft. With Cooper Flagg on the way, it puts everything in doubt, and that includes the availability of Daniel Gafford.
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The veteran big man is reportedly a top target for the Lakers this summer (who are also looking for a center), but the Warriors could also benefit from his addition. In 57 games this season, the 6'10" center averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game on 70.2% shooting. Before Anthony Davis' arrival, he was the last line of defense for the Mavericks, and he's still got room to grow at just 26 years old.
As a high-energy, athletic big man, Gafford excels in pick-and-rolls, and he's a beast in the paint and a rebounder and shot-blocker. In many ways, he's everything the Warriors need, and his contract is relatively affordable with one year, $14.4 million remaining.
Brook Lopez Could Be Available
As the Milwaukee Bucks ponder their future with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the status of their other core players remains shrouded in mystery. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Brook Lopez has complete control over his next basketball destination, and the Warriors are an ideal fit, assuming they are willing to pay him.
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The 37-year-old big man is already past his prime, but his size at 7'1" and 282 pounds would make a huge difference for the Warriors. Additionally, his championship experience would help him establish an early bond with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr.
With averages of 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season, Brook Lopez isn't the big man he used to be, but his elite shot-blocking ability and impressive shooting stroke make him worthy of consideration for the Warriors. He might even sign for a discount given his age and the team's status as an alluring destination.
Whether it's by trade or through free agency, we can expect the Warriors to make some moves this summer to help Steph's championship pursuit. Who they add may very well determine how far they get, and the Warriors cannot afford to get it wrong and waste what is left of Curry's career.
Related: Warriors Unlikely To Re-Sign Young Star And Two Important Players
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