The Golden State Warriors continue their campaign for another title. In the 2021 NBA free agency, they signed Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter Jr., which is a clear indication that they're looking to add shooters into the fold. They also signed Andre Iguodala which fortified their core.
It's going to be another interesting season as Klay Thompson will finally return after a two-year absence. Whether or not Thompson's return and the Warriors' recent acquisitions will pan out well is a matter of wait-and-see. For the sake of some discussion, let's grade the Dubs' offseason, particularly their signings.
Nemanja Bjelica: B+
The Warriors signed the Serbian to a veteran's minimum deal. According to reports, they've been eyeing the 6-foot-10 stretch big since last season's deadline, which already suggests that Kerr has something special planned for him. In fact, Kerr compared Nemanja Bjelica to Mo Speights–albeit armed with a 3-point stroke. Kerr will likely involve Bjelica in tons of pick-and-pop plays with Draymond Green or even Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Bjelica is shooting 38.7 percent from deep for his career. In his final year with the Minnesota Timberwolves and first two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, he shot over 40 percent from deep. It was unfortunate that the he sort of fell out of the radar last season, as he wasn't utilized that much by the Miami Heat. This season, Bjelica has a chance to some recognition once again.
Otto Porter Jr.: B
Porter is career 40.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc, which is just ridiculous. If it wasn't for the injuries which have plagued him for most of his career, Porter would be in the discussion of the best 3-point assassins in the game. To recall, Porter was on the verge of becoming a star after he inked a massive four-year contract worth $106.5 million in 2017 with the Washington Wizards. As he worked on his game to meet these expectations (which, as statistics reveal, were a difficult journey), a host of injuries proved to be major obstacles. These injuries continued to haunt him in his stint with the Bulls.
Perhaps this is the reason for Porter's relatively low grade despite being an elite shooter. Injuries are part of the game. There's no doubt that Porter has been working his tail off to avoid being hurt. But there are just some players who are really injury prone. We have to wait-and-see what Porter's role will be on the Warriors. If he comes off the bench, maybe this will prevent him from getting hurt.
Andre Iguodala: A
It was the Andre Iguodala signing that got Warriors fans excited. After all, it marked the return of the 2015 NBA Finals MVP –one of the smartest players of the game. This is a good move at this point in the Dubs' rebuilding process.
Iguodala will join the Warriors core of Curry, Green and Thompson. They'll be the leaders of the squad and will serve as Kerr's extension. The only reason we cannot give the signing a perfect score is Iguodala's age.
In his two seasons with the Heat, Iguodala showed that he can still play some 20 minutes per game. However, he'll be 38 in January and age is and always will be a critical factor in sports. We can say that Iguodala will likely play the role of a veteran presence which is great. However, someone who can do that and at the same time play some significant minutes is greater.
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