How far can the new-look Warriors go next season? With Klay Thompson skipping town, that’s the big question on every fan’s mind.
Well, the outcome could heavily depend on the performance of the new stars that the Warriors have acquired this summer.
While everyone expects Buddy Hield to take on Klay’s sharpshooter role, there is another addition who could play a massive role in the team’s rotation, Forward Kyle Anderson! And with Draymond Green’s future with the team uncertain, the four-time champ could hand the reins to the former Wolves star.
Kyle Anderson was a major reason why they were the best defensive team in the league this past season as he has the ability to guard multiple positions.
Moreover, playing under a veteran leader like Draymond, who plays the same position as him and has won multiple titles, Anderson could develop that championship DNA in Golden State and become a future leader of their second unit.
Discussing Anderson’s potential with the Warriors, media veteran Tyler Smith said, “I think he’s really gonna really mold well under Draymond Green, being able to be that facilitator from the 3-4 spot, you know playing out of the high post, dishing out to players on the wing and being able to put the ball in the bucket when necessary.” Coming from a highly coachable system of Gregg Popovic’s Spurs in the first few years of his career, Slo Mo became a crucial part of the Wolves’ rotation in the last two seasons.
The Warriors’ long-term future will remain secure even if Draymond decides to follow in Klay Thompson’s footsteps. Just last year, Green declined his player option and decided to test free agency.
And it cost the Warriors a four-year $100 million deal to make him stay in the Bay Area for some more time.
However, now that the original band is broken, he could consider that move once again.
Moreover, even the Warriors could trade him as he is in the later stages of his career and is way past his prime.
During a recent appearance on the Club 520 pod, Draymond revealed his thoughts about a possible trade, “I tell you what though, I pray to God if they ever feel the need to get rid of me. At least send me somewhere, (holds his laughter). If they gonna send me to any non-winning organization, I’d much rather it be Detroit than Charlotte.”
However, he did express his desire to stay a Warrior for life, “I hope I don’t go anywhere.” So, we will have to wait and see what the future holds for the veteran forward.
What did Kyle Anderson have to say about the Warriors move?
While Tyler has put immense pressure on Kyle Anderson with the Draymond comparison, it seems like the 30-year-old is prepared for the challenge.
During his introductory press conference last month, he revealed his excitement about playing in the Bay Area, “The tradition that’s been here the style of play, it looks like coach Kerr lets his guys play with a lot of freedom.
A lot of high IQ basketball here.” As far as his off-season preparation goes, Kyle was excited to be fully healthy heading into next season and had already begun working on developing his strength and building chemistry with his new teammates.
Although the world calls him Slo Mo, Kyle is great at finding his spots and being highly productive on offense. Just last season, he averaged 6.4 points while dishing out over four assists.
But what stands out about him is his impeccable defense and the forward took pride in it, “I just like being out there on the floor so, whatever I got to do to get out there is what I’m gonna do.”
And that skill will only get better next season playing alongside a defensive juggernaut like Draymond Green. Do you agree?
