Golden State Warriors Roster Adjustments for 2016-17 Season: 5 Offseason Moves To Ponder
Who the Golden State Warriors Need to Keep, Let Go
Following a heartbreaking loss in the NBA finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors doesn't have to make any major changes in the offseason. The Warriors are still a superior team by all standards with a season record 73 wins to show for.
Golden State just fell short. The team was comfortably ahead 3-1 in the NBA Finals before LeBron James and the rest of the Cavs made a run for it. Game 7 was highly competitive. It was tied until the last minute, when Kyrie Irving hit a dagger 3-pointer that completed the Cavaliers' miraculous comeback.
The previous season showed that the Golden State Warriors will continue to be one of the best offensive teams the league has seen. They revolutionized the game by playing small ball, emphasizing the concept of pace and space and shooting more treys than any other team in NBA history (1,025 3-pointers this season).
Still, Bob Myers, general manager of the Warriors, needs to make some moves that will keep the team intact as some players in the roster will enter free agency.
1. Keep Shaun Livingston
Shaun Livingston said he "would love to be back with Warriors next year and feel there is something special cultivating within the organization." He adds, "The time spent there has allowed me the platform to see the ingredients of winning and the importance of culture."
Livingston is beloved by basketball fans. He is an all-around player who can let Stephen Curry shoot all the threes while he does all the point guard duties. In addition, Livingston's versatility and length in the guard position (6'7") are assets that coach Steve Kerr can definitely use for his small ball offense. His performance in the NBA Finals is nothing short of spectacular as well, hitting crucial plays especially in the mid-range and showing up when Curry didn't.
2. Let Go of Festus Ezeli
Festus Ezeli's performance in the Finals was insignificant. In fact, he was held without a point in Game 7, and the Cavs took advantage of his weak defense by switching and forcing him to guard players in the perimeter. In one particular play, Ezeli bit on a LeBron James fake inside the paint, fouling him during a crucial moment in the game.
While Myers acknowledged Ezeli's and Barnes' ineffectiveness, he defended both players, saying people shouldn't forget what they've done to get the team in the Finals. Still, Ezeli's health issues are a huge concern. He has only appeared in 52 percent of all season games during his career. Keeping him with that health risk is dicey, especially if he expects to receive the same price tag as other big men in the NBA with a similar playing style.
3. Keep the Roster Deep
Golden State probably has the strongest starting five in the NBA right now, but they still need a deep bench that could help the team go through the long and grueling NBA season.
If the Warriors keep Barnes and Durant doesn't sign with the team, they should focus on keeping the current roster, which includes Barbosa, Rush, Speights, among others. They should also try to sign veteran players willing to get a pay cut to play for a championship team. Players like Terry or Stoudemire might be interested.
4. Resolve Barnes
As a restricted free agent, the Warriors can match any offer given to Barnes in the free agency. Reports have pegged him as a free agent who can get max contract, but his recent performances in the NBA finals has lessened his value.
With his 2-of-14 shooting in game 5 and 0-of-8 shooting in Game 6, the Cavaliers basically stopped guarding him, treating him like a non-shooter and Barnes couldn't capitalize. This performance, which may have been caused by the pressure of the finals, may not sit well with other teams looking at the free agency.
5. If Let Go, Replace Barnes with Forward in Free Agent
Letting go of Barnes will allow the Golden State Warriors to select from among the best players in the free agency and offer him a max contract. That includes Nicolas Batum and the highly coveted Kevin Durant. Both players are unrestricted free agents.