The impending task of replacing the rebounding core has been a major one for the Golden State Warriors. Good shot-blockers like Bismack Biyombo and Al Jefferson were able to net substantial deals this offseason — and money was the one thing the team couldn't afford to shell out after the $54 million signing of Kevin Durant.

Zaza Pachulia has been the man in charge of that task as the starting center, but let's get one thing straight — he is no Andrew Bogut.

Pachulia stands at 6-foot-11 and 275 pounds, a frame similar to Bogut's, but he is simply not the rim protector and passing savant that Bogut has been for this team the past five seasons.

According to NBA writer Tim Bontemps, “there have been some murmurings of discontent about the play of Pachulia so far, but I think it’s little more than adjusting to a brand new style of play and team. I’ll be surprised if, in time, he doesn’t settle in nicely into this system. But it is something that, at least so far, bears watching.”

The Georgian international isn't the shot-blocking presence that the Warriors have enjoyed for the last few years in their ascendence to the top of the Western Conference, but he is a reliable screener, rebounder and an unselfish teammate.

Golden State knows they won't get two-plus blocks per game from him. Instead, they're just looking to put him in good positions to succeed and do the rest by committee.

Durant is a big part of it, as he is just as good of a defensive upgrade from Harrison Barnes as he is an offensive one. He is long, lanky, and with great instincts in passing lanes and collapsing pockets of space during drives. The team expects Durant to contribute significantly on the defensive end.

If the Warriors get one block per game from Pachulia and an extra block per game from Durant, it will equal Bogut's production on that end.

Offensively, Pachulia can set great screens as well. However, he will take some time to get used to the fast-paced motion offense of the team. He also figures to be an upgrade from the free-throw line as he shot 76.8 percent last season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Only time will tell how he fits into the Warriors lineup as head coach Steve Kerr has been using him very carefully given the lack of depth the team offers at the center position.