Kelley L. Cox – USA Today Sports Images
The Golden State Warriors have a deep roster heading into the start of NBA training camps. Save for their injury worries at the center position, the Warriors have solid players at the top of their roster and a slew of players that should serve as quality backups for them in the upcoming season.
As their list of camp invites grow, though, the names continue to get more interesting. I wrote recently about how center Dewayne Dedmon was interesting because of how he could wind up playing minutes for Golden State in the regular season. Now the Warriors have invited an even more intriguing player, more because of who he is and less because of what he’ll actually contribute, to camp.
According to Zach Lowe of Grantland, the Warriors have offered an invitation to forward Joe Alexander, who was selected eighth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2008 NBA Draft. Despite being drafted that high, playing for Golden State would be Alexander’s first time back in the NBA since the 2009-2010 season.
After a productive college career at West Virginia, the Bucks grabbed him in the lottery of the ’08 draft. In his rookie season in Milwaukee, Alexander played in 59 games, but averaged only 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 12.1 minutes per game, while also shooting just 41.6 percent from the floor. He was on the roster of the Chicago Bulls the next season, but played in only eight games as he spent most of his time in the D-League. Since then, he has played overseas and actually retired from basketball altogether in 2011.
Alexander wasn’t that highly touted coming out of college and that doesn’t change with this invite to Warriors camp. With David Lee, Marreese Speights and Harrison Barnes (in small-ball lineups) all on the roster to play the four, it also doesn’t seem like Alexander has a place on Golden State’s roster. Even with limited potential on this team for Alexander, it will still be intriguing to see him back on the court and see if he’s improved.
Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google and like his Facebook page.
Related:
Center Dewayne Dedmon is Player to Watch at Golden State Warriors Training Camp
Jermaine O’Neal Presents Potential Trouble for Golden State Warriors Early in Season
Marreese Speights May Not Have Much of a Role With Golden State Warriors
