Golden State Warriors: The pros and cons of trading for Victor Oladipo
By Dalton Sell
Golden State Warriors: The pros of trading for Victor Oladipo
As previously alluded to, Victor Oladipo could help the Golden State Warriors add another star player to the lineup, specifically in the backcourt.
The Warriors have been without starting shooting guard and five-time All-Star Klay Thompson for the entirety of the season after suffering a ruptured Achillies before the year. Golden State has missed his two-way presence dearly, and while Oladipo would not be an equal replacement, he could still be a solution in the present.
Newcomers Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins have been inconsistent this year trying to fill that third fiddle role alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. As O’Connor detailed in his power rankings piece, Oladipo could be a great complementary piece to help alleviate pressure and the overall workload from those two:
"Golden State’s interest in Oladipo signals the front office’s intentions to find another ball handler. Curry and Draymond remain excellent offensive engines, but the Warriors are missing the next Andre Iguodala or Shaun Livingston. Could Oladipo fill that role? Though his scoring efficiency is down now, he would receive better looks when surrounded by better talent."
When healthy, Oladipo is a premier scorer that can create his own looks and conjure up offense for others around him. With the 22nd ranked offensive rating in the association per NBA.com/stats, the Warriors desperately need a spark on that side of the ball, and the two-time All-Star could be an answer.
While the offense has struggled, Golden State’s defense has been relatively solid, boasting the sixth-best defensive rating in the association. Oladipo, a former All-Defensive honoree, could throw another household defender into the lineup to bolster their efforts on that end further.