Two Power Forwards that the Warriors Should Pursue in the Offseason

November 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Andray Blatche (0) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors power forward Andris Biedrins (15) during the first quarter at ORACLE Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

With the off-season now started for the Warriors, they don’t need to make any huge changes, but need to secure the core of their team. This means if one player like Carl Landry or Jarrett Jack leaves, they could still be able to sign another without and seeming damage. No one, however, can replace the productivity of Jack, but Landry, may be flexible.

Teams such as the Toronto Raptors have expressed interest in Landry, who has a player option. He hasn’t rejected it yet, nor are there any indicators that he will, but the Warriors need to have a backup plan, just because they want to keep their core intact. They already have a center in Andrew Bogut, and a solid power forward in David Lee. The question of re-signing Landry, who was a bailout man, now becomes a million dollars.

When thinking of veteran power forwards who may be a bit washed up, but still have a lot to offer, Elton Brand comes to mind. Brand averaged just 7.0 points per game, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. He may be a power forward, but he knows how to play defense. Let’s not forget that he’s also got star potential when thinking that Baron Davis left the Warriors to go play with him. He knows how to play, just like Landry, even if his production isn’t as good.

He didn’t receive too many minutes with the Mavericks towards the end of the season, but he can still be of value for the Warriors. They always seem to have use for players that seem useless. For example, Kwame Brown was decently useful last season before he got injured. Brand’s season high was only 20 points, but it’s not too shabby considering that the Warriors will be able to use him well. His season high in rebounds was 14, which is useful.

Another name that comes to mind is Andray Blatche. It may seem abnormal to here his name, simply because he wasn’t a very effective player in Washington, but he has rejuvenated his career in Brooklyn. They may end up re-signing with them, but in his mind, signing with the Warriors who have more of a bright future seems to have more perks. The Warriors could use Blatche’s hidden talent.

This season, Blatch averaged 10.3 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks. These are pretty similar numbers to Landry. The thought of the Warriors not having Landry on the floor is troubling, yes, but in case something goes wrong, like he rejects his player option, the Warriors need to be sharp by signing someone of equal, or even greater value with the money that they would give him.