The most intriguing name on the Warriors’ training camp roster isn’t Kevin Durant.
It’s JaVale McGee.
We know Durant’s a superstar who is going to need some time to gel on the court with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. McGee surrounded by all-star talent? There’s a chance the Warriors might’ve uncovered a hidden gem.
At his 2016-17 opening press conference Wednesday, Steve Kerr shed some light on why the Warriors rolled the dice on the 7-foot center.
Hint: a Golden State veteran player went to bat for McGee.
“I think JaVale has a real chance here,” Kerr said. “We’ll see how he plays in camp. But he comes highly recommended by Andre (Iguodala), who played with him in Denver. I think this is a really good opportunity for him, because he’s playing with a talented group of players and a really good environment. There’s nobody like him on the roster. I think he’s got a chance and we’ll give him every opportunity to play.”
Kerr confirmed Zaza Pachulia will start at center for the Warriors, but there is certainly room on the roster for an athletic, shot-blocking big man.
McGee and Iguodala played together for the Nuggets in 2012-13 and Denver was one of the best teams in the league that season, finishing with a 57-25 record. In 18 minutes per game off the bench, McGee averaged 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. The Nuggets ran an up-tempo style with Ty Lawson and Wilson Chandler, something that clearly suited McGee’s skill set.
First round pick Damian Jones tore his pectoral muscle right before the draft and will be sidelined until December. Other big men on the Warriors’ roster include David West, Anderson Varejao and James Michael McAdoo. Golden State’s clear weakness going into the season is depth in the front court. And because the Warriors are paying West, Varejao and McAdoo very little, there’s nothing to lose by giving McGee a fighting chance at a roster spot.
Heading into his ninth NBA season, the 28-year-old McGee spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks. He’s seen his minutes shrink the past couple of years, appearing in just 62 games the last three seasons. And to some, McGee’s still trying to shake away his many ‘Shaqtin a Fool‘ moments earlier in his career with the Wizards, moments that called into question his maturity.
But if there’s one thing Kerr values, it’s Andre Iguodala’s opinion. Kerr has spoken at length about Iguodala’s basketball IQ and both the coach and player seem to share a sixth sense for what will help the Warriors most. With the loss of Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, Mo Speights and Leandro Barbosa, the professional makeup of the team will feel entirely different come October. There will be a lot of mentoring going on this season in the locker room. Iguodala showing McGee the ropes of how a championship organization works should quell any maturity concerns.
McGee has been an energetic, high-flying bench player on a playoff team before. Further, if he’s keyed in defensively, he’s a body that could give Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson problems in the post. Every move the Warriors make is about conquering LeBron and Cleveland.
Bet on McGee making the roster and usurping playing time for West, Varejao and McAdoo if the trio isn’t productive.
