Jordan Bell will head into this 2018-19 season in an open competition for the temporary starting center spot, which will be available until new signing DeMarcus Cousins returns from injury. Finding the right fit will be the team's first hurdle to overcome, while the latter will be adjusting Cousins' high-usage game to one of the NBA's most efficient offensive units.
Bell meshed well with the starters last season, but his nagging ankle injuries prevented him from developing further rapport, often seeing his minutes rise and dwindle throughout the course of the season. He's entering his second year in the league with one objective — not to start games, but to finish them.
“Look at Zaza,” said Bell, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “Zaza started but didn’t finish games. I want to be the guy who finishes games, not starts them. That’s what I’m going for.”
The Warriors used a center-by-committee approach last season, shuffling the likes of Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee and David West into the center spot as needed, while giving young players like Bell and Kevon Looney their due minutes.
While each of those names provided a specialty, Bell is looking to be an all-around player — making himself a staple of the rotation instead of constant as a starter.
“We’ve kind of been a center-by-committee the last couple years,” said head coach Steve Kerr. “As long as we get it done, doesn’t matter to me.”
Bell has the talent and the athletic ability to make himself into that Swiss army knife the Warriors will need, but Kerr needs to see it in a consistent basis to give him the proverbial green light.
“I want to see what we saw all summer, which was great preparation, focus,” said Kerr. “I think he understands now how hard he has to work.”
“I know the schedule now,” said Jordan Bell on Tuesday. “I know how to take care of my body, what to expect. Time management. Being a pro. Showing up on time. Not making rookie mistakes.”
If he can bring those qualities along with a clean bill of health, it won't take long for the Oregon product to resurface as the leading candidate for the job.
Follow Us
Subscribe