We’ve reached that point of the offseason where almost every valuable free agent is off the market. For teams like the Golden State Warriors with one roster spot still vacant, the options are rather dearth and unappealing.
Christian Wood finally found home in Los Angeles after a long wait, while Javale McGee was quickly snapped up the Sacramento Kings after his departure from the Dallas Mavericks. While the options are few and far between, the Warriors are still expected to make one more addition ahead of their season opener on October 24.
Ranking the top 10 available players in NBA Free Agency based on their potential fit with the Golden State Warriors.
Frank Urbina of HoopsHype currently has an updated ranking of the best available free agents. These will obviously vary based on the needs of each NBA team, so let’s rearrange the top 10 order based on a Warrior perspective.
1. Bismack Biyombo (HoopsHype rank #8)
Biyombo’s career was effectively revitalized by new Warrior guard Chris Paul in Phoenix, averaging just over 14 minutes per game in each of the last two seasons. While he’s far from an exciting option, he could provide the sort of short bursts at center the Warriors need during the regular season.
2. Wenyen Gabriel (HoopsHype rank #10)
High energy big man who averaged 15 minutes across 68 games with the Lakers last season. At just 26-years-old, there’s room for improvement particularly were he to play alongside the likes of Paul and/or Stephen Curry.
3. Kelly Oubre Jr. (HoopsHype rank #1)
Former Warrior whose first stint with the franchise didn’t quite go to plan. Still, a talented scorer who averaged over 20 points per game with Charlotte last season. A more limited specific bench role could see him as less of a disaster in Golden State second time around, albeit very unlikely that either franchise or player are interested in a reunion.
4. T.J. Warren (HoopsHype rank #5)
Possesses scoring skills like Oubre but comes with much more injury risk. Warren averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in 42 games last season, shooting 48.9% from the floor but only 32.8% from three-point range.
5. Will Barton (HoopsHype rank #9)
A less than ideal 56-game season with the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors last season, with Barton shooting less than 38% from the field. Not sure why Golden State would be interested given Moses Moody is arguably better right now and with far greater upside.
6. Anthony Lamb (HoopsHype rank #7)
Played a larger than expected role with the Warriors last season, yet was never fully embraced by fans and probably for good reason. Still eligible for a two-way deal again which is intriguing, but there’s been little movement regarding a return to the franchise.
7. Jaylen Nowell (HoopsHype rank #2)
Averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, assists and minutes per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, though shot the ball at less than 30% from deep. The Warriors don’t need another 6’4″ or below guard on the roster.
8. JaMychal Green (HoopsHype rank #4)
Veteran big who had his moments with Golden State last season but was never truly an appropriate fit. The franchise has effectively replaced Green with Dario Saric, meaning he’ll have to continue looking for a new home elsewhere.
9. Terrence Ross (HoopsHype rank #3)
Inefficient scorer, average passer and a negative on the defensive end — not the type of player the Warriors want, nor do they particularly need another 6’6″ wing.
10. Hamidou Diallo (HoopsHype rank #6)
Incredibly athletic 25-year-old who can finish at the rim and is a capable defender. Diallo is a poor shooter though, has only three games of playoff experience, and would really just be a worse version of Gary Payton II. Pass.