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The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2021-22 NBA season as a legitimate title contender.
The team is in a 'win-now' mode, as the core trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are all on the wrong side of 30. Bob Myers and co. have made some significant changes to the roster. But would it be enough to win the Championship?
They did address some of their major needs this offseason. But would that stand them in good stead against the LA Lakers or the Brooklyn Nets?
How have the Golden State Warriors improved this offseason?
Many of the Golden State Warriors' decisions were met with mixed reactions this offseason. Fans weren't too ecstatic over letting Kelly Oubre Jr. go, but the addition of Otto Porter Jr. has been warmly received.
Their draft decisions have been the biggest question mark so far, though. The signing of three inexperienced teenagers - Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman - is certainly not the direction one would like to see the Golden State Warriors head in.
However, the front office remained adamant that these decisions were made in the best interests of Curry, Thompson and Green, keeping their championship window in mind. On that note, here's a look at three areas where the Golden State Warriors improved during the 2021 NBA offseason:
#1 Floor-spacing big man
After the Golden State Warriors lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in tournament, GM Bob Myers spoke about the need for more shooting around Curry. He said that the Warriors' defense looked good, but their offense needed replenishments.
If there aren't other players to space the floor, Curry would be crowded during every possession, and will have to carry the burden of shooting all by himself.
On August 6th, 2021, the Golden State Warriors signed Nemanja Bjelica on a one-year contract. He played for the Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings last season, but appeared in just 37 games.
Bjelica is a career 38.7% from beyond the arc. But when he last played a full season, he shot 42% from the deep on 4.4 attempts per game. Nearly 90% of his three-point attempts are assisted-o,n and he is a career 40% on corner threes. That makes him the ideal pick-and-pop center for Curry, Thompson and Wiggins.
Nemanja Bjelica is 6' 10", and can play either the center or the power forward position off the bench. He is 33, but as can be seen from the Lakers and Nets, teams aren't shying away from older players anymore. So Bjelica's experience could be quite valuable for the Golden State Warriors.
Lack of experience is what hurt the Warriors last season. So having someone who can make the right decisions and take the right shots is always a great choice for a team in win-now mode.
Bjelica likely solves their need for floor spacing, and adds depth to the forward position.
#2 Three-point shooting two-way forward
Otto Porter Jr.'s signing has been one of the best moves the Golden State Warriors have made this offseason in terms of getting new players. He is a 27-year-old, 6' 8" forward who can play either frontcourt position. He could be the ideal backup behind Draymond Green while also getting starting minutes occasionally. Porter Jr. is a career 40% from the three-point range, doing so on an average of four attempts a game.
He could also significantly help the Golden State Warriors in rebounding and maintain the scoring when the starters are off the floor. Otto Porter Jr. is also a decent defender.
#3 Athletic two-way wing
![Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors [Source: Golden State of Mind]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/09/09879-16309306886703-800.jpg)
Jonathan Kuminga's signing in the 2021 NBA Draft was met with mixed reactions. That's because, he is an inexperienced 18-year-old who may not possibly contribute in a championship run right away.
But on the flip side, he is arguably the best wing/ forward in the draft. The Golden State Warriors had the opportunity to package their first-round picks and acquire a veteran. but failed to do so. They saw something in Kuminga, and decided he was worth taking a punt on.
He was projected to go top 5. But when he was still available for the Warriors at 7th overall, they grabbed him, as he was too good to pass on.
Bob Myers spoke about his decision to draft Kuminga. He said that wings like him are rare to find. So when the Golden State Warriors got the opportunity to draft him, they didn't let go of the opportunity. He said:
"Kuminga is kinda that physical wing that has dominated our NBA for so many years. The physical wing is the hardest thing to find, and he has the shot at being one of those guys."
Jonathan Kuminga impressed massively on his Summer League debut. He said that his game should improve at a drastic rate now that he would play alongside the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Kuminga might not be the Rookie of the Year or average 20 points a game playing alongside championship-caliber players. But he could certainly do his bare minimum and fulfill a role for the Golden State Warriors in the 2021-22 season.
You may also like: Grading the Golden State Warriors' moves so far in the 2021 NBA off-season.
Guess the Lakers players!
