It is way too early for the Golden State Warriors to panic after opening the season with a lopsided loss to the San Antonio Spurs, but the need to add a shot-blocker has become more evident for the Warriors.
The Warriors have formed one of the deadliest starting lineup in the league after convincing Kevin Durant to bolt out of Oklahoma City in free agency. Many believe Durant's decision to join the Warriors have crushed the competition and has made Golden State the favorite to reach the NBA Finals for the third-straight year. However, following the Warriors' 129-100 loss to the Spurs in opening night, plenty of questions have immediately popped out, including the Warriors' need of a defensive big man.
The Warriors were able to add David West and Zaza Pachulia to their roster, but both are not expected to fill the gaping hole left by Andrew Bogut, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason to make room for Durant. West and Pachulia's presence did not help much as the Warriors were manhandled inside the paint by the bigger Spurs frontcourt.
"Bogut was a guy that was just constantly in the way," former Warriors player turned ESPN basketball analyst Tim Legler said on San Francisco radio station KNBR.
"He just knows how to clog the lane, he just knows how to be an irritant, in addition to that he's a phenomenal last line of defence rim protector and he's also got a role in the offence because he's such a good passer."
As mentioned, it is way too early for the Warriors to press the panic button. The team still has plenty of opportunities to kindle their chemistry that should prompt them to reassert how real their "Superteam" or "Death Lineup" is. But it is not impossible that other teams would try to copy the Spurs' blueprint in defeating the Warriors.
The Warriors could wait for their core to morph into the immensely talented lineup that they are, or they could consider exploring the trade market. If they opt to choose the latter option, an ideal trade target would be Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel, who has been on the trading block in the past few months.
According to NBA.com's panel of analyst, Noel is one of the few big men on the block that is likely to get traded this season. The 76ers may have not officially made Noel available yet, but every indication suggests the 22-year-old big man could be the odd man out in Philadelphia, who has yet to address their crowded frontcourt.
Noel, who averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game last season, would offer the Warriors rim protection and defensive presence inside the paint. His versatility on the defensive provides Golden State not only an anchor in the middle, but also perimeter defense on stretch bigs.
However, trading for Noel would probably cost the Warriors backup point guard Shaun Livingston. The 76ers are in need of a quality option at the PG spot after losing Ben Simmons to a foot injury. Simmons was expected to be the team's top playmaker, but with the Aussie phenom likely out for the rest of the season, trading for a veteran like Livingston should fill that gap for the 76ers.
Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote a piece before this year's free agency hits, tackling about the 76ers' need of acquiring a lead point guard they could pair with Simmons. According to Hayes, acquiring a player like Livingston would help Simmons develop immediately and provide Philly a leadership role they sorely need.
"When the Sixers drafted Ben Simmons first overall they added a fourth gilt-edged big man who needs to learn how to play NBA basketball. Livingston can help Simmons immediately," Hayes noted.
"The Sixers need a veteran, selfless, patient, skilled, effective point guard more than anything else."
Livingston is entering the final year of his three-year $16.6 million contract with the Warriors and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. It remains to be seen whether Golden State would consider such move, but Livingston should be a keeper as he has played an essential role off the bench for the Warriors.
On the other hand, there are no signs Philadelphia would want to keep Noel long-term. If they feel Noel isn't fit to play a part in their plans, trading him now should help the 76ers acquire pieces more fitting to the team's rebuild.
Would the Warriors consider trading Livingston? Probably not at this point. It is too early for them to panic and make some moves. But trading for Noel is worth considering for the Warriors.
Video courtesy: YouTube/DownToBuck