Despite Recently Signing Trayce Jackson-Davis, Warriors Still Linked To Three Veteran Big Men

Jackson-Davis had an impressive collegiate career at Indiana. The No. 57 overall pick was named the recipient of the Karl Malone Award as the top power collegiate forward, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds this past season. He also contributed four assists and nearly three assists a game.

It is unknown whether Jackson-Davis will play this summer. He sat out the Dubs’ two California Classic games as he sustained a right hamstring injury during the first days of summer league practice.

“He’s getting some work done on the side with Seth Cooper,” Warriors summer league coach Jacob Rubin said Friday following a shootaround at the Las Vegas Basketball Center. “I think it’s getting better, it’s just a day-to-day thing. He has a sore hamstring, so we’re just going to bring him along.”

“If he plays in summer league, great,” Rubin said. “We definitely miss him out there. If not, then he’ll be ready for us for the regular season. So, just a day-by-day thing. He’s looking better, for sure.”

Jackson-Davis is the fourth new addition to the Warriors. Golden State traded for Chris Paul before free agency and re-signed Draymond Green. The Dubs have also inked veteran point guard Cory Joseph and 2023 first-round selection Brandin Podziemski. Podziemski was the top rookie at the California Classic this week.

Golden State has three open roster spots, although only two will likely be filled by opening night and all three two-way spots. Since the Warriors are well over the super tax apron, the Dubs can only sign players to minimum contracts.

Golden State Depth Chart

PG – Stephen Curry, Chris Paul,  Gary Payton II, Cory Joseph

SG – Klay Thompson, Moses Moody

SF – Andrew Wiggins, Podziemski

PF- Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis

C- Kevon Looney

This may not be the Warriors’ depth chart, as they have many versatile pieces. Paul could start alongside Curry and Thompson. Thus, bumping Wiggins to the four and Green to the five. Moody and Podziemski can play either the three or four, while Kuminga can play all three frontcourt spots.

Golden State’s biggest area of concern is big men. Just four of the 12 players on the Warriors roster are either a power forward or center. The Dubs could re-sign unrestricted free agent JaMychal Green, which isn’t a horrible option. But the Warriors have recently been linked to Bol Bol and Dario Saric. Dwight Howard, Justice Winslow, and Meyers Leonard, among others, are also options.

Dario Saric

Saric and the Warriors have been rumored to be a match for the past several weeks, and it seems more likely that the sides will agree as each day passes. This is true as long as Saric can’t find someone willing to give him more than the minimum, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein.

“Christian Wood and Dario Šarić are among the standout names on the league’s list of available unrestricted free agents. The presumed delay: Both have only generated interest at the league minimum to this point and have naturally been holding out for more. Golden State remains the likely landing spot for Šarić if he doesn’t find an offer above the minimum.”

After missing the 2021-22 campaign due to a torn ACL, Saric had a nice season with the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder. In 57 games, the 29-year-old forward averaged 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 14 minutes.

Saric would be an ideal fit for the Warriors. He is a tough-nose player who moves well without the ball and is a good screener. Saric also is a good defensive rebounder, capable floor spacer, and decent passer.

Phoenix, Miami, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas are potential suitors for Saric.

Bol Bol

Bol is not the fit perfect fit that Saric is for the Dubs. However, the 7-2 big man is very intriguing due to his size, length, and silky smooth jumper. Plus, he is coming off a career year with Orlando, who waived him a few days ago.

Bol is nearly unstoppable around the rim. He is also an above-average shooter, within 16 feet, who is attempting to improve his perimeter shooting. Defensively, the 23-year-old is excellent on the boards and a solid shot-blocker.

Bol produced six doubles and averaged 9.1 points in 70 games. He also grabbed 5.8 rebounds and blocked 1.2 shots while compiling a shooting slash line of .546/.265/.633.

The Suns, Lakers, and Mavs also are potential suitors for Manute Bol’s son. The following is what Yahoo’s Jake Fischer tweeted about Bol’s potential landing spots.

Dwight Howard Wants to Return to NBA

Speaking to Complex.com  recently, Howard, who spent last season playing in Taiwan, said he could still be a productive player for an NBA team despite being 37 years old.

“I know that there’s at least 15 to 20 teams that I could play for. And I know there’s teams that got great starting centers, but I know I could be a great backup center. I know I can provide a team with 25 minutes of dominant basketball. And that’s not even scoring, that’s just playing defense, locking people up, protecting the paint, rebounding, and finishing around the basket. I’ve had my fun in the game. I just want to go out like a champ like I’m supposed to.”

While Howard dominated in Taiwain, I’m not sure that will cause teams to show interest. However, Howard did say teams previously showed some willingness to bring him in. So, there may be a chance that he could play this upcoming season. One thing that is known, Howard will rebound and protect the rim.

Also, in the interview, Howard mentioned five teams he would fit with this year.

“Okay, you got Miami Heat. You got obviously, the Lakers. The Warriors, The Kings. But the Kings, I would say the Kings got a couple centers so they probably wouldn’t. But the Kings. The Hawks. I’m from Atlanta, go back home with the Hawks.”

Other Possible Options:

Justise Winston

Winslow is a little undersized but would be an amazing addition to the Warriors. The 6-6 versatile forward can do a little bit of everything and is a defensive ace. However, he is injury prone.

Meyers Leonard

Leonard has only played in 12 NBA games since the beginning of the 2020-21 season. He is a big body who is tough, can rebound and stretch the floor with his shooting. Leonard is great in pick-and-pop situations and is a career 39% 3-point shooter.

Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui Dieng is a physical post player who can rebound and shoot. While not really a 3-point threat, he has been known to knock down an occasional three, as he is a career 35.5% shooter from deep.

Willie Cauley-Stein, Markieff Morris, Bismack Biyombo, Frank Kaminsky, and Willy Hermangomez are other options for the Warriors.