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The Golden State Warriors will need to make a few difficult decisions during the NBA preseason in the next few days. That's because, before the start of the 2021-22 season, they will have to trim down their roster to 15 players, but have plenty of players to choose from.
Currently, the Golden State Warriors have 13 players on guaranteed contracts. Obviously, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are in because of their pedigrees. Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole are also key players.
Young players like James Wiseman, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga are important for the future. Meanwhile, veteran players like Andre Iguodala, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter Jr. are expected to contribute as role players.
What could the Golden State Warriors' roster look like for the 2021-22 NBA season?
The 14th spot in the Golden State Warriors' roster will belong to Damion Lee, who is on a partially guaranteed contract. That is not because he is Stephen Curry's brother-in-law, but because he proved it in his most recent preseason outing.
Lee was one of the key players against the LA Lakers last Tuesday in the Warriors' 111-91 victory. He registered 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists in just 22 minutes of play as a starter.
On that note, here's a look at the three players who are fighting for the final spot on the Golden State Warriors' roster:
#1 Avery Bradley
Avery Bradley is one of the better defenders of the past decade. Bradley at his peak in 2016 was an NBA All-Defensive First Team member, when he played for the Boston Celtics. However, he has bounced around since getting traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2017.
Before signing with the Golden State Warriors in the offseason, Bradley also had stints with the LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, LA Lakers, Miami Heat and Houston Rockets. It is obvious that Bradley is no longer the player he once was, but he brings a lot of experience.
However, Bradley has not been good for the Golden State Warriors in the preseason. He has missed open three-point shots and, surprisingly, he's been a liability in defense. The 30-year-old veteran still has one more game to earn the final roster spot for the Warriors, though.
#2 Gary Payton II
The son of an NBA Hall of Famer, Gary Payton II is trying his best to stay in the league, and play for the Golden State Warriors this season. He had an impressive 2021 campaign in the NBA G League, where he was named as the Defensive Player of the Year. Payton II was then signed by the Warriors on a couple of ten-day contracts.
Gary Payton II played a total of ten games with the Golden State Warriors last season. He averaged 2.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in just four minutes per game. Despite being a fringe player, the Warriors re-signed him in the offseason.
After recovering from a hernia surgery, Payton II made his preseason debut against the LA Lakers last Tuesday. He only played 11 minutes, registering 12 points, one rebound, a steal and a block.
It was a tough for the young player to get injured, but he will have one more game to impress the Golden State Warriors.
#3 Mychal Mulder
Mychal Mulder has played his part for the Golden State Warriors since the 2019-20 season. Mulder is a three-point shooter, and has provided depth for the Warriors since joining the team.
However, the Warriors have added depth in the offseason, so it seems Mychal Mulder could be surplus to requirements. He has appeared in all four preseason games for the Golden State Warriors this season, but has failed to make an impression in his limited minutes.
Nevertheless, the Warriors have another two-way player deal to give, entering the season. Chris Chiozza already signed a two-way deal in the offseason, meaning he can appear in a limited capacity with Golden State Warriors, but play most of his games in the NBA G League.
Given his tenure with the Warriors, do not be surprised if Mychal Mulder signs a two-way contract.
