NBA Free Agency: Top 3 Free Agents the Golden State Warriors Should Pursue
By John Adair
1. Jarrett Jack, Point Guard
Jack is an unrestricted free agent as of the first of July. While Jack was simply the back-up to Curry on the depth chart, his importance can not be overstated. Despite coming off the bench for the Warriors, Jack was typically on the floor during crucial moments,
including the end of games. After All-Star David Lee went down with an injury in the first round of the playoffs, Jack became a part of Mark Jackson’s three-guard system. The gutsy move by Jackson to insert Jack into the starting line-up and move Harrison Barnes to the power forward position paid off and had a substantial amount of success.
Jack shined in the playoffs. The back-up-point-guard-turned-starter averaged over 17 points on above 50% shooting from the floor, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The veteran point guard has made it clear that he would love to return to the Warriors organization, but other teams are bound to make enticing offers involving more money and a full-time starting position. Curry is clearly the future of Golden State basketball, and Jack would be destined to be his back-up for as long as the two stayed at home.
One problem that may rise this summer for both sides is the financial aspect. Jack made approximately $5.4 million in 2012-2013 and is expected to make much more than that via free agency. However, with Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson picking up their player options for next year, the Warriors have already committed approximately $67 million in player salaries. With the luxury tax penalties set to kick in around $70 million, it will be intriguing to see what the Warriors’ brass decides to do with Jack. Carl Landry and Brandon Rush also both have player options for next season worth $4 million each.
2. Matt Barnes, Small Forward
Golden State is not in an ideal financial situation until after the 2013-2014 season. Fortunately for them, Matt Barnes is at the ladder stage of his career and seeking that ever elusive NBA title. Barnes has been known to sign for less money with a contending team. For instance, the versatile forward made less than a million for his services with the Clippers this season.
Barnes averaged more than 10 points, nearly 5 rebounds, and a steal while shooting a more than acceptable 46.2% from the field. In the playoffs, Barnes upped his numbers to nearly 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 54.5% shooting, including above 41% from three-point range.
Barnes would be a serviceable back-up to the Warriors’ other Barnes, Harrison. Richard Jefferson plans to exercise his player option for $11 million, but was not much of a factor in coach Mark Jackson’s rotation. Brandon Rush has a player option for $4 million and is coming off of injury. Barnes is a reliable three-and-“D” type player. He can knock down the open jumper, while not forcing his own offense, defend on the perimeter, and frustrate opposing players on a nightly basis.
3. Chris Kaman, Center
Chris Kaman has been a quality NBA center for the entirety of his career. His combination of length and a unique skill set for a big man causes fits for many opposing players. Kaman averaged 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and nearly a block per contest for the Mavericks this past season. In a decreased minute total at just about 20 per game, Kaman was productive for the most part.
He failed to live up to the $8 million contract he signed with Dallas via free agency, but will likely choose to walk again. While Andrew Bogut impressed in the postseason for the Warriors, they lack a quality back-up and Bogut has well-documented injury issues.
Kaman will likely never be the player he was with the Los Angeles Clippers again, but can still easily be one of the top back-ups in the game. His skill set and ability to hit the mid-range jumper would allow the Warriors to run a lot of pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop sets involving Steph Curry.