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Golden State Warriors: The Pros And Cons Of David Lee’s Departure

By Gerald Bourguet

Jun 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee waves to the crowd during the Golden State Warriors 2015 championship celebration in downtown Oakland. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee waves to the crowd during the Golden State Warriors 2015 championship celebration in downtown Oakland. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Lee
Jan 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Gerald Wallace (45) controls the ball against Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: They May Actually Need Depth

Again, $15.5 million is a ton of money to dish out for a benchwarmer who deserves a better situation, but isn’t it a little worrisome the Dubs traded away a player who was ready on a moment’s notice for a guy who might be completely washed up?

In his prime, Wallace was an athletic, terrific two-way player who would’ve fit right in with this current Warriors team. But everything we’ve seen over the last few years indicates that this is no longer Gerald Wallace; this is the Artist Formerly Known As Gerald Wallace.

Other than that small-ball revelation in the Finals, the Dubs didn’t need David Lee to win a title. They probably would have figured it out even without Lee’s strong play at the end of Game 3. But what happens if the Warriors don’t have the same kind of remarkable injury luck they had this past season? What if they actually need to put their depth to the ultimate test?

Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston were terrific this past season, but they’ll be another year older as the Dubs look to repeat in an even more top-heavy Western Conference. Marreese Speights was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate for half the season, but his value plummeted after his injury. And how ready will rookie Kevon Looney be to step in and contribute given his hip injury and possible back issues?

Lee was a last resort, and trading him was the right move. But if the Warriors are unable to have the same great injury luck in 2015-16, the perfectly sensical departure of David Lee could wind up having a significant impact on their success.

Next: Are The 2014-15 Golden State Warriors An All-Time Great Team?

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