The Warriors Need To Trade For This Player
After an 18-20 start, the Warriors are expected to be active in the trade market. Golden State must make a heavy push for Pascal Siakam, here's why.
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Fills Front Court Need
Even during their dominant era, the Warriors have had the reputation of being more flashy than physical, and they never had a true center. But now, the lack of size the Warriors have is their number one problem.
If the Warriors are going to compete at the highest level, they will be facing teams like the Timberwolves, Thunder, Nuggets, and Kings. While Golden State does have a reasonable chance to win a series against one of these teams, the center position is a massive disadvantage. Chet Holmgren, Nikola Jokic, and Domantas Sabonis are all centers who are capable of changing games. Jokic and Sabonis dominate with their facilitation and post-play, while Holmgren is an athletic shot-blocker who has lots of versatility.
Pascal Siakam is one of the better defenders in the NBA. He has a defensive rating of 118 this season. Siakam is relatively small for a center at 6'8, but he plays a lot bigger than he is. Siakam constantly drives to the rim and is great at penetrating the defense. Siakam is efficient in the low-post area and is averaging 53% from the field this year.
Secondary Scoring
Along with providing size, Siakam provides key secondary scoring that will significantly help Steph Curry. Steph Curry has taken a step back this year in terms of scoring going down to 26 points per game.
After Curry, the scoring situation becomes concerning. Klay Thompson is still an elite shooter, but he can't be relied upon to be a consistent second option. Jonathan Kuminga hasn't gotten adequate minutes to develop, and Andrew Wiggins is down to a career-low 11 points per game.
Pascal Siakam is averaging 22 points per game this year with shooting splits of 53% from the field and 33% from three. The Warriors three point shooting will allow Siakam to do what he does best, get to the rim. Also playing with Stephen Curry could create better three-point opportunities for Siakam.
Overall, his scoring ability combined with his defensive presence makes Siakam an important player Golden State needs to go after. A package of Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody, along with Andrew Wiggins and a future pick could get the trade done. While losing a young upside player like Kuminga could hurt, Steph Curry is soon turning 36, and Golden State needs to give him a chance to compete
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