D'Angelo Russell was one of the top free agents available this offseason and many thought he would end up with the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly after free agency opened. Despite the efforts of Minnesota to get him, Russell ended up agreeing to be part of a sign-and-trade that sent him to the Golden State Warriors on a four-year, $117 million contract.
Since the move was made, a report has come out that Golden State acquired Russell in an attempt to get some value for Kevin Durant. The report also stated that Russell doesn't fit the Warriors and that he will be traded.
While that report may end up being true, there are quite a few reasons to believe that Russell will be a perfect fit with the Warriors.
Granted, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are a deadly back-court duo and no one will replace their roles. That being said, the Warriors could easily slide Russell in at shooting guard and move Thompson to small forward. Getting a talent like Russell certainly keeps the Warriors towards the top of the West.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three reasons why Russell is a perfect fit for Golden State.
3. Golden State Can Easily Play Curry, Russell, and Thompson Together
It's time to stop with the narrative that Russell can't fit in and play alongside Curry and Thompson in a lineup. Russell is 6-foot-5 and without question can play the shooting guard position. Thompson is 6-foot-7 and more than capable of playing small forward.
How would that not work? Russell would add excellent scoring to help replace Durant. In addition to scoring, Russell is also a deadly three-point shooter, which will fit right into the offense alongside the Splash Brothers.
2. He'll Take Pressure Off of Stephen Curry
There will be some growing pains with two point guards on the court at the same time, but Curry and Russell will be better for it when they get used to each other. Russell will be able to take pressure off of Curry and can handle the basketball to allow Curry to get open off the ball.
Golden State loves to play an up-tempo offense, but in the half-court is where Russell will make them even more dangerous. Having another playmaker who can score at will is going to make defenses stay honest. Curry and Thompson could go back to doing it by themselves, but Russell will make their jobs easier.
1. It Keeps the Warriors on Pace with the Rest of the “Super Teams”
Finally, the Warriors have to keep pace with a few teams around the league who are making massive moves. The Brooklyn Nets signed Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan. Boston brought in Kemba Walker to play with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the rest of their supporting cast.
Add in the Philadelphia 76ers, who signed Al Horford and kept Tobias Harris to go along with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and there are quite a few great teams on paper. Kawhi Leonard could end up signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as well. Golden State will have figure things out on the fly, but Russell is a great player that should fit just fine with the Warriors.
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