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3 free agent targets to fortify the Golden State Warriors’ second unit

By Dalton Sell

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 30: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the first quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 30: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the first quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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3 free agent targets to fortify the Golden State Warriors' second unit
Apr 10, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole (3) handles the ball while being defended by Houston Rockets guard D.J. Augustin (14) during the first quarter at Chase Center, 3 free agent targets to fortify the Golden State Warriors’ second unit. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

With a 42-17 overall record at the NBA All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors have been among the best teams in the NBA this season.

Due to their success, they opted to stand pat at the 2022 NBA trade deadline rather than try to make another move or two that would require shaking up their roster. It was an understandable stance to take, given that they did not want to disrupt any chemistry.

However, as every single contending team should, Golden State’s front office should be doing their due diligence on the buyout market to round out the edges of this roster as they prepare for the postseason by adding a piece or two. There are several positions that the Warriors should look to fortify, and these three free-agent targets could help them do just that.

3 targets to fortify the Golden State Warriors’ second unit: DJ Augustin

The backup point guard position has been a weak point for the Warriors this season, as they have lacked a legitimate floor general in the second unit. They should attempt to bring in an experienced ball-handler before the playoffs, and one player that fits the billing is D.J. Augustin. The guard was waived by the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline to make roster space, and he is among the more recognizable names on the buyout market.

The 13-year NBA veteran has been a quality backup throughout his career, and he could help a contender currently in the hunt for backcourt depth. His numbers were far from the flashiest as he averaged 5.4 points and a mere 2.2 assists per game in 34 appearances with the Rockets, but one area where Augustin could help is the bench shooting.

The Warriors’ bench ranks 25th in 3-point percentage this season at 32.1 percent, which Augustin could help improve. He knocked down an eye-catching 40.6 percent of his triples on 2.8 attempts with the Rockets this season, proving to be a solid outside shooter.

The 34-year-old could be a quality addition to Golden State’s second unit, giving them a backup to assume ball-handling duties when Stephen Curry is getting his rest. If he could provide passable, scoring, shooting, and facilitating, this would be a low-risk move for the Warriors to consider.

They would not be asking too much from him, but he could be helpful, particularly due to that excellent three-point shooting he brings to the table.

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