Golden State Warriors: 2015 Summer League Preview

Summer League Centers

Ognjen Kuzmic || Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Ognjen Kuzmic || C || 25 || 7’0, 251 lbs || Santa Cruz Warriors (D-League) || 29 GP, 30.6 MPG, 12.8 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.0 BPG, 49.3 FG%, 77.2 FT%, 1.7 TOV

Stefan Nastic || C || 22 || 6’11, 245 lbs || Stanford (College) || 37 GP, 29.7 MPG, 13.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 BPG, 47.2 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 2.0 TOV

Matt Stainbrook || C || 23 || 6’10, 270 lbs || Xavier (College) || 37 GP, 26.7 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 61.3 FG%, 76.4 FT%, 2.0 TO

It was a HUGE surprise (at least, for me) that the Warriors extended a qualifying offer to Kuzmic, effectively keeping him on the team for at least another year. Though he’s shown potential in the time he’s played in Santa Cruz, it’s hard seeing how he fits into Golden State’s small ball system.

It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume, however, that the Warriors really like Kuzmic’s overall potential, as well as the cheap price for which the Warriors are willing to pay.

He may lack quickness, but he runs the floor adequately and cleans the glass with the best of them. His size bothers slower players that travel into his domain, and his offensive game has become more and more versatile.

He’s not too shabby of a passer, either.

In fact, the most noticeable stat that pops out when you take a look at Nastic and Stainbrook is their assists per game. The Warriors pride themselves in having Bogut as a playmaker in their offense, freeing up some space in the paint when he steps out and dishing dimes to cutters and curlers.

While it’s to be expected the Warriors will play small for the majority of the summer to test their talent pool, it’s likely they’ll be testing these centers to see how they fit into Golden State’s half court system as passers.

Next: Warriors Summer League Schedule