NBA

Latest moves by Warriors prove they are still a work in progress

by
SaC Bot
September 16, 2023

The Golden State Warriors 2023–24 season will soon begin in earnest, with training camp just a couple of weeks away. Even still, they are still looking at potential free agent options, including an eight-time all-star, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.

According to Charania, the Warriors will meet with 37-year-old free agent center Dwight Howard. They also just signed recent first-round pick Usman Garuba to a two-way contract. Garuba is known for his defensive prowess, though his offense hasn’t caught up just yet.

Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard will meet with the Golden State Warriors next week, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The team has been exploring signing a reserve veteran big man, and now the 2020 Lakers championship center will visit with Warriors officials soon.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 15, 2023

Free agent center Usman Garuba has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. The former Rockets first-round pick is coming off averaging 8.2 points and 4 rebounds for Spain in the FIBA World Cup.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 15, 2023

Howard spent last season playing in Taiwan after previously playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he has repeatedly expressed an interest in returning to the NBA, and Golden State might soon give him that opportunity.

While Howard was drafted all the way back in 2004 and has 18 years of NBA experience with seven teams, he may still have enough left in the tank to help Golden State. Meanwhile, Garuba is just 21 years old and could prove to be worth the low-risk flyer that the Warriors have taken on him.

Does either player have a chance to impact the Warriors next season?

With GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. saying that he was open to adding another big man to the roster, adding Garuba and kicking the tires on Howard makes sense. Neither figure plays much for the Warriors, but Howard clearly has the most NBA experience and still appears to be in great shape.

If the injury bug bites their front court rotation, then it wouldn’t be hard to envision him coming in, setting screens, crushing lobs, and swatting shots for 15 minutes. Garuba is a bit more of a project, but he’s shown enough to be on an NBA roster. Getting him on a two-way is even better because it leaves two roster spots open, including possibly one for Howard.

Ultimately, the Warriors are clearly still filling out their roster as training camp approaches. Additionally, the two players they are considering for a roster spot are big men that could help their depth and fill in in case of injury.

Published on 09/16/2023 at 2:00 PM EDT
Last updated on 09/16/2023 at 2:00 PM EDT

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Author: Cal Durrett
September 16, 2023 | 2:00 pm

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