Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from win over Sacramento Kings

Size continues to be a problem

The Warriors have carried a lot of centers on their roster over the last four years. One of the few problems that the team has had in the Steve Kerr era, especially as the game has evolved, is that they haven’t carried a lot of wings. And Kerr, much to the chagrin of many of the team’s fans, likes his centers.

Last season, the Warriors had Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, David West, Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell, Draymond Green, and Damian Jones. This year, the team decided to go in the opposite direction. They kept Jones, Looney, Bell, and Green while adding DeMarcus Cousins in the offseason. This year, it seems as if they just don’t have enough.

Jones is out with an injury and Cousins hasn’t returned yet. That leaves Kerr a bunch of undersized big men to try to bang down low with some of the NBA’s giants. Looney has turned himself into a strong defender and a good rebounder, but he’s the tallest of their available trio at a listed 6’9.

Green has been hurt and a step slow, probably due to the physical toll playing an undersized center has on his body. Bell, who may be a couple of inches shorter than his listed height of 6’9, just hasn’t been able to put out consistent efforts this year.

Green and Looney had 14 rebounds combined. Willie Cauley-Stein had 13 rebounds on his own. The Warriors ultimately won the rebounding battle, but big centers are a problem for them.

If they were to play a full series against Clint Capela, Steven Adams, Rudy Gobert, or any other top big man, they would have a major problem if Cousins can’t regain his previous form.