Golden State Warriors: Imagine how good they could be with a player like Andre Drummond
The Golden State Warriors are thinking repeat while the rest of the NBA is playing catch up. But can anyone really catch them? The Warriors are loaded with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. These are just 4 of the weapons the Warriors have at their disposal. During the first two days of Free Agency, they managed to resign 3 of their top reserves in David West, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston. But yet, the Warriors could be so much better. All they have to do is snag a player like Andre Drummond.
Currently, the Warriors have Zaza Pachulia as their starting Center. In 2016, Pachulia averaged 6 points and 6 rebounds in 18 minutes of action but done just enough while on the floor to help the Warriors win a title. His contributions have been the norm for Warriors Centers over the years since their jump to prominence.
At first, it was Andrew Bogut and his 6 points and 8 rebounds in 24 minutes of action who helped propel the Warriors. As you can see, the Warriors have done just fine with any seven-footer on the floor playing less that 25 minutes per game. The Warriors love to go small ball at times and that’s when they’re at their most dangerous.
But what if– what if they were to get their hands on a player like Andre Drummond, Nerlens Noel or Alex Len?
The Warriors are in no need of another 20-point scorer. But what they do need is a presence in the paint that will put fear into anyone thinking about driving and a rebounding force who can ignite their potent fast break. Even with Pachulia, the Warriors were ranked at the top of the league in points but imagine what they could do with Drummond and his career averages of 16 points, 16 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Or what about the services of Noel and his 9 points and 7 rebounds. There’s always room for a defensive ace like Alex Len. Len is young, athletic and will shine in an offense like the Warriors where he can build on his 2016 average of 8 points and 7 rebounds in 20 minutes.
To be honest– all the Golden State Warriors need is a rebounder and defender to push the break. As good as the Big 4 are, they could be better. Ex: Russell Westbrook drives to the lane, gets shot rejected by Drummond right into the hands of Curry. Steph dribbles to midcourt with Thompson and Durant setting up beyond the arc. He takes another glance and sees Green slashing to the paint and catches a glimpse of Drummond trailing the break.
Can a team who won 2 championships in 3 years plus won 73 games in a single season get any better? Yes. Remember this is the same team who signed Durant.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
