On Monday I wrote one of the Warriors’ top offseason priorities should be to sign Zach Randolph. I think Bob Myers and Steve Kerr can get him in a room and convince him that joining Golden State is the best thing for his career. He’s already made $175 million. The Warriors would be the perfect ending to his career.
There are other players the Warriors may be able to woo with this whole “ring chasing” philosophy. It’s not cliche, it’s true. David West is a prime example. It looked like his career was dwindling in San Antonio, but Kerr and Myers were able to craft the proper role for him. West thrived in what he called the most memorable season of his career in the locker room moments after winning the championship.
Depending on how things shake out with their own crop of free agents, the Warriors could have a ton of spots up for grabs for talented veteran players.
Dirk Nowitzki
Age: 39
Career earnings:$245 million
2016-17 stats: 14.2 ppg, 6.2 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: There’s a really strong mutual respect between Kerr and Nowitzki that’s been built over time. Of course the Warriors have room for a 7-footer who can still stretch the floor with his jump shot and pull down rebounds. Nowitzki could opt for retirement, but there were rumors last year that Golden State was interested. It would sting for Mark Cuban, but Nowitzki deserves the chance to go out on top, if he wishes.
Nene
Age: 34
Career earnings: $125 million
2016-17 stats: 9.1 ppg, 4.2 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: If West retires — a persistent rumor amongst local Warriors reporters these days — Nene would honestly be a very solid replacement. Before he injured himself in the second round of the playoffs, Nene was proving to be a powerful option off Houston’s bench. In his own out-of-control way, he’s still relentless in the paint. The big Brazilian has slimmed down in the later years of his career, and he could provide a solid boost of energy from the bench.
Tony Allen
Age: 35
Career earnings: $39 million
2016-17 stats: 9.1 ppg, 5.1 assists
Warriors’ pitch: If Shaun Livingston decides to cash in somewhere else, Allen could be next in line to backup Steph Curry. He’s a completely different player than Golden State has had during the Kerr era — hard-nosed wing defender, looking to get chippy — but the Warriors could use some more defensive bite in their backcourt. He could also be paired in many different lineups. Allen’s been with Memphis the past seven seasons. Myers can convince him it’s time to get off the treadmill and go scale mountains with the Warriors.
Thabo Sefolosha
Age: 33
Career earnings: $34 million
2016-17 stats: 7.2 ppg, 4.2 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: He fell out of favor in Atlanta’s rotation, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t revive his career in Golden State. Sefolosha is best known for his days as a defensive stopper in OKC next to Kevin Durant. Even in a much smaller role, Sefolosha could want an opportunity to reunite with KD and win a title. The Warriors can always use a versatile 6-foot-7 defender, especially if Andre Iguodala bolts in free agency.
David Lee
Age: 34
Career earnings: $94 million
2016-17 stats: 7.3 ppg, 5.6 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: On Tuesday, a report surfaced that Lee is expected to decline his $1.6 million player option with the Spurs. Does that mean he wants a payday, or is returning to the Bay his hope? Two seasons ago, Lee attended NBA Finals games and hung out in San Francisco. He misses living in this area. He also injured a knee tendon in the postseason and could be playing on a limited basis to start the 2017 season.
Vince Carter
Age: 40
Career earnings: $173 million
2016-17 stats: 8.0 ppg, 3.1 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: Basically a 3-point shooter at this point in his career, Carter would live on the end of the bench. But there’s no doubting Draymond Green, Durant and Curry would adore having him around. Carter’s never advanced to an NBA Finals before. Isn’t that one of the main reasons he’s still hanging around?
Roy Hibbert
Age: 30
Career earnings: $70 million
2016-17 stats: 4.6 points, 3.2 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: If they can save JaVale McGee, can’t Kerr and Myers save Hibbert? Their games are entirely different — Hibbert’s rather clumsy at 7-foot-2. He’s very old school and doesn’t run the floor particularly well. He’s probably not an upgrade over Zaza Pachulia, and definitely not over McGee. But the Warriors may run out of bodies if their guys decide to cash in. The team still has Damian Jones under contract, but Hibbert has to be evaluated.
Mo Speights
Age: 29
Career earnings: $24 million
2016-17 stats: 8.7 ppg, 4.6 rebounds
Warriors’ pitch: They likely won’t have to make one. Speights is dying to return to Golden State, the place that turned him into a legitimate weapon off the bench. His defense and turnovers always frustrated Kerr and there were reasons they let him walk a year ago. But there was no true 3-point specialist off the bench last season. Speights’ role was partially absorbed by Durant, partially absorbed by West. There’s room for him on this roster.
Other names to monitor: Jason Terry, Brandon Bass, Jose Calderon, Beno Udrih, Luis Scola, Brandon Rush, Randy Foye, DeAndre Liggins.
