Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
It is no secret that newly hired Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri believes he could improve the team immensely by trading power forward Andrea Bargnani. In fact, Ujiri is determined to get rid of the 27-year-old prior to July 1. That means any team willing to acquire Bargnani in a trade will most likely get him for a great deal. Would it be wise for the Golden State Warriors to pick up the phone and make an offer?
Bargnani posted one of the worst statistical seasons of his NBA career in 2012-13. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 28.7 minutes per game. He also managed to convert 39.9 percent of his 12.2 shot attempts from the field and 30.9 percent of his shots from beyond the arc in 35 games (25 starts).
With that being said, the former No. 1 overall pick still has the potential to be a phenomenal basketball player for years to come. Toronto has already paid too much money for a player that simply did not deliver for them. Obviously, the organization believes he could be a good player, but Ujiri was brought in to make some big changes to improve the team immediately.
I believe that Bargnani could thrive if placed in the right atmosphere. Golden State appears to be just the team that can use his offensive talents while also making up for his defensive shortcomings.
For being 7’0” tall, the Italy native has never been an above-average rebounder. However, the Warriors do not need a solid rebounder considering they already have Andrew Bogut and David Lee. What Golden State does need is a top-notch perimeter shooter who can expand defenses so that other playmakers can work the paint. Bargnani has converted 43.7 percent of his shots from beyond the arc in his career, which is a great statistic for a big man.
There is plenty of risk involved if the Warriors did decide to pursue Bargnani. For instance, $10.75 million for next season could be an easy way to screw up the chance for opportunities elsewhere if the six-year player does not pan out. However, the reward is that Bargnani could be the missing piece to the puzzle that could get Golden State over the hump for the 2013-14 NBA season.
