It was announced by Shams Charania of The Athletic that the Golden State Warriors are finalizing a deal with former Miami Heat starter Rodney McGruder. Charania added that McGruder will compete for a roster spot in training camp.
McGruder has spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Pistons, receiving limited playing time, but was a regular starter for the Heat early in his career. Spending the first three seasons of his his career in Miami, McGruder started 112 games for the Heat, and appeared in 162 total.
A career 5.8 PPG scorer, McGruder is not much of a threat offensively, but he did knock down 42.3% of his shots from deep last season. While this wasn’t a high volume at just three attempts per game, McGruder is a career 36.0% three point shooter, which is serviceable if he is still able to defend at an above average level.
It’s interesting to see the Warriors somewhat pivot from their focus on a veteran big, to perhaps looking more at veteran wings. While they could still sign a big like Dwight Howard to round out their roster, it seems Golden State is no longer entirely focused on finalizing their roster with another center.
For McGruder, this will be an opportunity to join a contender after spending the last few years on the Pistons.