Strength in Numbers: What and how the Warriors' reliable second unit contribute to their dominance

Golden State Warriors celebrating after the championship ring ceremony on NBA opening nightDefense, a superstar or two and a reliable bench.When you dwindle down the factors, these are the basic ones every team that has hoisted the Larry O’ÂÂBrien trophy has showcased during their championship run. Registering a record breaking 16-0 start to the 2015-16 season, the defending champions the Golden State Warriors are no different. They set out at the beginning of the season with the motivation to prove to their doubters and haters that their last season’s accomplishment was no fluke. Having the eternal hunger for success and playing with a chip on their shoulder, the undefeated Warriors have been compared to the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, that registered a record-setting 72-win season.There’ÂÂs no doubting the fact that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are the co-MVPÂÂs of the team. The Warriors put themselves in special company when they ranked top two in offensive and defensive efficiencies last season. Their team defense relies hugely on the versatility of their line-up on the floor and heart of the players involved.However what’ÂÂs really special about this team is their depth and health.They have a 12 man roster, any of whom can step on the floor and contribute effectively. We all know their starting line-up but hereÂ’s an insightful and detailed analysis of the second unit and their contribution to the team:

#5 Marreese Speights

Marreese Speights’ primary offensive skills just add to the versatility of the Warriors offense

Speights and the Warriors have found something special here, a mutually benefitting partnership. The constant ball movement in the Warriors offense is always making the opposing defense think and make decisions on the fly. Often, the extra pass has defenses scrambling, and that’s when Speights proves his worth.

His nickname on the team “Mo’ Buckets” emphasizes what he contributes to the team - buckets as in points. He provides instant offense to the team with his efficient mid-range jumper and ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop. His play really meshes in with the offensive system the team tries to run.

Defense does not come naturally to Speights but he makes up for it with a lot of heart and physicality, using his 255 pound 6’10” frame. The video below showcases Speights offensive skills and what he brings to the table for the team:

#4 Leandro Barbosa

In Leandro Barbosa’s case, his nickname “The Brazilian Blur” perfectly describes his playing style. His speed and agility are a key component to his basketball contributions to the team on both ends of the floor.

In the fast paced, guard-heavy NBA, Barbosa’s speed not only allows him to stay in front of his man but also be a pesky defender who is always searching for the opportunity to pick pocket his man.

On the offensive end, his speed and co-ordinated quick handles makes it easy to lose his man on a drive to the basket. When the opposing big man approaches to help defense, Barbosa finishes smart at the rim without any ferocity. He is among the league leaders in three-point shooting efficiency and has a dependable jumper within the arc to go along with it.

Video below is highlight mix from last season but more importantly showcases all of Barbosa’s skills and contributions to the team:

#3 Festus Ezeli

Golden State’s starting center Andrew Bogut is prone to a lot of injuries and that has propelled the growth of 3^rd year back-up center Festus Ezeli. Ezeli is a younger, quicker and more agile version of Bogut and those qualities have a played a major role in him obtaining a reliable spot on the team’s rotation. More minutes have exponentially increased the growth rate of Ezeli’s game.

Till last season he was a mobile center that could finish emphatically on lobs off of pick and rolls sequences however in the short season so far, there is a huge visible growth to his game. He is starting to drop hook shots from the posts and floaters when he gets the ball just inside the free throw line. His biggest improvement has been the defensive end. He contests everything and has a very physical presence in the post.

Here’s a highlight video of Ezeli from last season:

#2 Shaun Livingston

Shaun Livingston’s height and wingspan is his biggest input to the team.

The move to get Shaun Livingston to sign with the Warriors alone should have had Bob Meyers win the NBA Executive of the Year Award. In his 11-year NBA career, the Warriors are Livingston’s 11^th team and the first he has played back-to-back seasons with since he did so with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

A dislocated left knee cap in 2007 had almost brought his career to an end however after six years of rehabilitating, Livingston resurfaced in Brooklyn with the Nets under Jason Kidd’s small ball line-up.

Being a 6 foot 7 inch guard is the biggest strength to his game, it allows him to post up players over whom he has a 3 or 4 inch advantage. On the defensive end, those extra inches help him fend off guards and that kind of versatility has earned him a crucial spot in the Warriors rotation.

Here are highlights from Livingston’s first season with the Warriors:

#1 Andre Iguodala

Co-captain with Curry, Andre Iguodala is as crucial to this team as Curry and Draymond Green are. His leadership and sound decision making is what makes the team’s second unit a reliable and productive group.

Despite taking a step back to allow Harrison Barnes to flourish and to add strength to team’s bench, Iguodala proved his worth with his performance on both ends of the floor in the 2015 NBA Finals, where he was named Finals MVP.

He personifies not only the Warriors biggest trait of unselfishness but also their biggest strength – Versatility. At just 6 foot 7 inches, he can pretty much do everything – post up, drive to the basket, shoot the mid-range and shoot the long ball. However, his biggest strength is his defensive versatility with which he has the ability to guard any position one to four.

He is the first guy off the bench for the team and truly the unsung hero of not only the Warriors’ championship but their season as a whole. Here a collection of his highlights from the NBA Finals: