The Warriors Need A Quality Center For The 2nd Unit

The NBA trade deadline is coming up on February 9th and if Golden State wants to make some noise in the playoffs, they need to add depth to the rotation. Golden State specifically could use some more size at the 5 spot as they’re quite lacking in that department. A true big man who can play in the pick-and-roll, crash the glass, and protect the rim would do wonders for the struggling bench.

Jakob Poeltl’s name has been thrown around a ton recently in the trade market and he makes the most sense to fill this need that the Warriors are looking for. The veteran has a proven track record, with career averages of 7.7 PPG on 62.8 FG%, 6.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.3 BPG. He’s having a career year with the Spurs this season at 12.3 PPG on 63.4 FG%, 9.4 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 BPG.

At 7’1” from the University of Utah, Poeltl is a strong offensive rebounder, controls the paint with his defensive mentality and rotations, and has improved on his post passing over the years. He also has the ability to switch and guard out on the perimeter.

With all he can offer and his 22 playoff games in both Toronto and San Antonio jerseys under his belt, Poeltl could right the ship with the 2nd unit’s production for Golden State.

Kelly Olynyk is another option if Poeltl isn’t available but doesn’t fill the true center position. At the four, the Gonzaga alum can add a new frontcourt dynamic to the team both on the glass and from deep. The 6’11” Olynyk can stretch out the floor, something that the Warriors are missing from their current bigs. He’s currently dealing with a sprained left ankle injury and with young stud in Walker Kessler excelling in his newly given minutes, Utah could consider moving him.

This one might be a pipe dream but Golden State really needs to make a major move if they want to move up in the Western Conference standings and make another deep postseason run.

The Spurs and Jazz would definitely be asking a lot in return for the former lottery picks. The question is what is Bob Myers willing to give up in order to get him? Does he want to trade the young assets in Wiseman, Moody, Rollins, and/or Baldwin in search of one more championship, or does he want to keep what could be the key to the future success of this franchise? It’s a tough one.

Follow Arden Cravalho on Twitter @a_cravalho.

(Photo credit: Justin Ford / Getty Images)