The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA for the past few years. With their star-studded roster and impressive record, they have become a force to be reckoned with. However, their recent second-round playoff exit has left many questioning the team’s future. It was not just a bad break, but a glaring reminder that this roster, as it stands, cannot keep up with the competition. And the biggest weakness that was exposed? Size.
Time and again, the Warriors were out-rebounded, outmuscled, and pushed off the glass. This was evident in their series against the Houston Rockets, where they were dominated on the boards. The Warriors’ lack of size and physicality was a major factor in their defeat. And now, with Stephen Curry inching towards the end of his prime, it is time for the Warriors front office to address this issue.
There have been talks of the Warriors pursuing veteran center Al Horford in free agency. However, one Oakland legend has a different opinion. Gary Payton, a former NBA player and Oakland native, believes that the Warriors should not go after Horford. In a recent statement, Payton said, “I don’t think Al Horford is the answer for the Warriors. They need to focus on getting bigger and more physical players.”
Payton’s statement may come as a surprise to some, as Horford is a highly sought-after free agent. But Payton’s reasoning is sound. The Warriors do not need another skilled big man like Horford. They need someone who can provide size and physicality in the paint. And with the Warriors’ current salary cap situation, it would be difficult to sign Horford without making significant changes to the roster.
Moreover, Payton believes that the Warriors should focus on developing their young players instead of chasing big-name free agents. He said, “They have some young guys who can step up and fill that role. They just need to be given the opportunity.” Players like Jordan Bell and Damian Jones have shown potential, and with proper development, they could become valuable assets for the Warriors.
But it’s not just about the players on the roster. The Warriors’ front office also needs to make some changes. They have been criticized for their lack of depth and failure to address the team’s size issue. It’s time for them to step up and make some bold moves to improve the team’s chances of winning another championship.
One possible solution could be a trade for a big man. The Warriors have some valuable assets that they could use to acquire a player who can provide size and physicality. They could also look to the draft to find a young, promising big man who can contribute right away.
Another option could be to change their playing style. The Warriors have been known for their fast-paced, small-ball style of play. But with the league becoming more physical and teams focusing on size, the Warriors need to adapt. They could look to slow down the game and play a more traditional style of basketball, utilizing their size advantage.
In the end, it all comes down to the Warriors’ front office and their willingness to make changes. They cannot afford to ignore the team’s size issue any longer. The NBA is a constantly evolving league, and the Warriors need to adapt to stay on top. With Stephen Curry inching towards the end of his prime, the time to act is now.
But despite their recent playoff exit and the challenges they face, the Warriors should not be counted out. They still have one of the most talented rosters in the league, and with the right adjustments, they can continue to be a dominant force. As Gary Payton said, “The Warriors are still a great team. They just need to make some changes to address their weaknesses.”
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors are facing a harsh reality. Their second-round playoff exit was a wake-up call, highlighting their biggest weakness – size. But with the right moves and adjustments, they can overcome this challenge and continue to be a top team in the NBA. It’s time for the Warriors front office to listen to the advice of Oakland legend Gary Payton and make the necessary changes to keep the team’s championship hopes alive.
