Since the Kevin Durant signing, the Golden State Warriors have become the pick of the litter for veteran free agents on the hunt for a ring.
As if coming within a couple missed shots of back-to-back NBA championships wasn’t enough of a lure, the Warriors now boast a foursome of consensus top-15 players unlike anything the Association has ever seen.
Add in an arguably improved frontcourt with Zaza Pachulia and David West replacing Andrew Bogut and Marreese Speights — on minimum contracts, to boot — and it’s no surprise that Steve Kerr’s squad is a heavy favorite to go all the way in 2017.
But first, long before the regular season gets underway, the Dubs have to add the final piece to their NBA superteam. Theoretically, they could fill roster spot No. 15 with a Summer Leaguer or D-Leaguer and wait until midseason to see what upgrades are available off waivers.
Let’s not forget, though, that this team prides itself on its locker-room chemistry, buying into a “next man up” mantra no matter what their depth chart indicates. Just look at the vital contributions from Brandon Rush and Ian Clark at crucial junctures last season. Moreover, roster turnover from 2014-15 to 2015-16 was negligible, but the 2015 champs have said goodbye to half of their rotation (Bogut, Speights, Rush, Harrison Barnes, Leandro Barbosa, Festus Ezeli) this offseason, underlining the importance of having a cohesive unit heading into training camp.
Like Pachulia and West, the last piece of the puzzle would need to be willing to come in on a minimum deal and sacrifice minutes — and perhaps a role, at least initially — to join forces with the Western Conference juggernaut. Given Golden State’s current roster construction, the team will likely prioritize a wing player, but I wouldn’t rule out another big-man add given the uncertainty than Kevon Looney (F) and Damian Jones (PF/C) are in game shape come October.