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Golden State Warriors: Should They Sign JaVale McGee?

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 20, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) during game one of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) during game one of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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JaVale McGee
Nov 21, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) kisses the cheek of Marilyn Quagliano after falling into an open seat next to her in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Verdict: Nike

Just do it, Golden State Warriors. You know you want to.

JaVale McGee has failed to live up to the lofty expectations he created with that one breakout playoff series. He’s had problems staying healthy over the last two seasons and his low basketball IQ makes it hard to see how he fits in Golden State.

But an Andrew Bogut/Festus Ezeli center tandem shouldn’t make anyone feel comfortable either. Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario where Bogut goes down, but it also doesn’t hurt to be prepared. McGee is a seven-footer that could really provide some much-needed insurance for the big Aussie, even if he definitely wouldn’t make up for Bogut’s absence entirely.

If the Dubs don’t need him, they don’t have to use him. McGee would be an upgrade over Kuzmic, McAdoo or Rush based on what they’ve contributed this season. If the Warriors don’t have to pay big money to get him, why not take a chance that could pay off in a big way come playoff time? As long as Kerr doesn’t let him become a distraction (which I don’t think he would), it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Remember, we have no indication that McGee is a negative presence in the locker room, so this wouldn’t be an Andrew Bynum kind of situation. Even better, the Dubs would launch a preemptive strike on other teams who want his services, giving Golden State yet another advantage in a playoff series.

The Dubs don’t need to add JaVale McGee to win a championship. But he could definitely make it a lot easier at a premium price, and who knows? Maybe playing under a prodigy coach like Kerr would get the best out of McGee again … or at least something better than what we’ve been getting.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

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