The Warriors unique culture of playing free and having a sense of joy has attracted many big marquee free agents in the past, but some of the signings that went under the radar have proven to be critical players in championship runs in the past.

The Warriors have a habit of resurrecting careers and signing players that the league has given up on. When the Warriors signed JaVale McGee back in 2016, his reputation as the “Shaqtin a Fool MVP” has turned many teams away, but the Warriors saw a perfect fit with McGee in their system.

McGee was a constant lob threat and built an important chemistry with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Additionally, given his size, McGee also provided rim protection, something that the Warriors clearly needed.

In the end, McGee won two championships, and shed the label of the “Shaqtin a Fool MVP.” These “diamonds in the rough” like players would become a constant theme.

Enter Gary Payton II. After going undrafted in the 2016 draft, Payton joined the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in hopes of following his Hall-of-Fame father’s footsteps and making a mark in the league. Standing at 6’3’, he was a bit undersized as a guard, but always found a way to contribute on the defensive end, just like his father.

But he was unable to stay healthy, and as such, bounced around the league until the Warriors picked him up last season.

This year, Payton is averaging 6 points per game and shooting 35.7% from three and 66.7% from the field. He scratched and clawed his way into the Warriors rotation and proved that he could provide the necessary defensive stops while exciting the crowd with his high-flying theatrics.

The Warriors have even designed a special play for Payton to get lobs. Payton would curl from the weakside, and after receiving a screen from the forward on the elbow, Payton’s man would be two steps behind, and Payton would have a chance to show off his athleticism.

Payton’s importance to the team provides guard depth and the ability to go to a smaller lineup when needed. Payton’s defensive abilities gives the Warriors an important edge, especially down the stretch in important minutes. Payton has certainly earned his roster spot and looks to contribute to the Warriors lineup.

Another player that has shined with the Warriors has been Otto Porter Jr. Formerly a third overall pick, the 6’8’ forward has struggled to stay healthy his entire career. Over the course of his 11-year career, Porter has played only four seasons where he appeared in more than 70 games.

During his stint with the Bulls, he struggled to stay on the court with a nagging back injury. This season with the Warriors, he only missed one game.

On the court, Porter is averaging 6.5 pointer per game and shooting a scorching 43.6% from three. Porter’s role as a contributing scorer off the bench provides the necessary depth that a team needs to go deep in the playoffs.

Last season, it was painfully obvious at times that the Warriors lacked bench production, and now with Porter fitting in as a 3 and D wing, Porter can have a key role off the bench.

It always seems like the Warriors have found players that have gone under the radar. While some teams in the NBA might only shoot for the big stars, the Warriors emphasize on fit and culture more.

(Photo: Neville E. Guard / USA Today)