Warriors still need to address lack of size

The Golden State Warriors continue to be short on size in the middle of the court. Draymond Green has spent time operating as a small-ball five again this season. The Warriors' front office has remained steadfast in its desire to find a big man with shooting skills who can fit Steve Kerr's offensive and defensive system.

After a 21-20 start to the season and a 20th-ranked offense around the rim, the Warriors may enter the trade market to upgrade their big-man rotation. According to Jake Fischer, who was reporting via Monday's edition of The Stein Line Newsletter, multiple centers are available ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

"Olynyk is in the mix alongside Chicago's Nikola Vučević, Washington's Jonas Valančiūnas and Portland's Robert Williams III on the list of big men perceived to be available via trade leading up to the deadline," Fischer reported. "...The Warriors have signaled to rival teams that they are searching for frontcourt reinforcements again, but Golden State is also still evaluating its prospects and outlook in the Western Conference amid a great struggle — both with injuries and their play — to build off a 12-3 start."

Both Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Valanciunas would make sense for Golden State. They're both capable of working on the perimeter and providing genuine size to the rotation. Olynyk, due to his ball-handling and passing ability, would likely serve Golden State better. Robert Williams, on the other hand, would provide a different dimension due to his above-the-rim play and rim protection.

Regardless of the Warriors' future direction, adding another rotation big would significantly improve their current roster. Following an L.A. Clippers victory against the Warriors during the 2023-24 season, Paul George cited their lack of rim protection as a significant weakness.

"They don’t have a rim protector," George said. "Our advantage is we have size. We have wings that can get to the basket. That’s been our game plan, to get to the rim and find shooters on kick-outs."

If Golden State's front office is truly interested in maximizing the final years of Steph Curry's career, it must begin with a trustworthy big man. Fortunately, the trade market is going to heat up over the next few weeks, and the Warriors have more than enough assets to get a deal over the line. After all, the worst thing the franchise can do is stand pat and expect a struggling roster to miraculously figure things out.