Warriors Roster Competition Heats up as Avery Bradley, Langston Galloway, and Jordan Bell Contend for Final Spot in Training Camp
NBA training camp is still days away, but the competition is beginning to heat up for the Golden State Warriors. In what proved to be an eventful day on Friday, the Warriors agreed to multiple training camp deals with the hopes of solidifying the full 15-man roster.
Solid depth across all positions can give contenders the edge as the race towards the playoffs heats up. Having a reliable bench to ensure your core players suit up relatively healthy for the postseason makes a significant difference.
For Golden State, numerous veterans have worked out in recent days with the hopes of filling the vacant 15th roster spot. Notable names such as Isaiah Thomas and former Warrior Quinn Cook were in play to potentially make the roster. Cook instead signed with the Portland Trailblazers and per Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Thomas left town without a deal commitment, instead seeking a more clear opportunity elsewhere. The Warriors chose to instead prioritize wing and frontcourt depth.
Come the end of training camp, one of four players could fill the last remaining roster spot for Golden State: Avery Bradley, Langston Galloway, Jordan Bell, and Gary Payton II.
Avery Bradley headlined the trio of signings, given the Warriors’ past experience in targeting him via free agency. The 30-year-old veteran, who spent last season with both the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets, has made a name for himself with his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. Bradley’s signing fills the 15th roster spot but he is expected to compete for the vacancy through training camp.
Bradley averaged 6.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last season, and while he is no longer the stout two-way player that he once was, he would add some much-welcomed veteran depth behind Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole. Allowing Curry the few extra minutes of rest in relief of him could prove to be a difference-maker in games. And until Klay Thompson makes his return (expected to be in December) Bradley can help fill in extra minutes in the rotation. Additionally, being a mentor could help with the continued development of Jordan Poole, who could very well be a contender for Most Improved Player.
Langston Galloway, a seven-year veteran and combo guard, played 40 games last year and averaged 11 minutes per game with the Phoenix Suns. His shooting numbers were the best of his career: 44.9 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc. Those shooting numbers could be beneficial as supplementary shooting was a dire need for Golden State last season.
Jordan Bell is no stranger to the Warriors or their system. Bell was drafted by the Warriors and spent his first two seasons in Golden State, winning a championship in 2018. After his first run with the Warriors, Bell has bounced from Minnesota to Memphis to Washington. Bell played in only six games last year with the Warriors after signing a two-way contract in May. With James Wiseman and Kevon Looney the lone true centers on the roster, Bell’s size and past experience with the Warriors could play a part in solidifying frontcourt depth.
NBA training camp begins on September 28, and the competition for the final roster spot will be one of many storylines to follow in the Bay Area.
(Photo credit: Robert Seale/NBAE via Getty Images)