This much is true: the Warriors have the most fearsome 1-4 starting lineup in NBA history. However, the fact does remain that they’ll need significant help in the low-post. Past Draymond Green, the team’s frontcourt is rather thin, thanks to the departures of Mo Speights, Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli. Barnes aside, those guys were inconsistent contributors at best for Golden State, even throughout the playoffs, but when you have Steph/Klay/KD/Draymond running your wings, inconsistent size is pretty much all you need.
To make up for their losses, the Warriors added veteran forward David West, who defected from San Antonio after a mildly successful one-year campaign, but still have a gaping hole at the center position, one they’re apparently hoping JaVale McGee can fill.
On paper, McGee should be a perfect fit for GSW. He won’t be able to play in Kerr’s small ball schemes, but that’s what they have West, Draymond and KD for. Last year, towering guys like Bogut and Ezeli were most effective with Steph and Klay in the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop offense, as teams had no choice but to respect a sure-handed 7-footer rolling towards the basket, despite the Warriors backcourt’s all-World shooting ability. McGee has seen success in those very schemes in Denver and Washington, but is known for his inconsistency and unwillingness to adapt to new offensive schemes.
However, as we said before, McGee isn’t being brought in to reinvent the wheel. A high-flying 7-footer who once averaged 12 points, 9 blocks and 2.5 blocks per game could be enough down low. It’s not like he has huge shoes to fill. Bogut averaged 5.4 points, 7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game as a starter. Meager, at best.
