Quinten Post’s Comeback Complicates Warriors’ Trade Deadline Choices
The Golden State Warriors face a crucial decision leading up to the February 6th trade deadline. The team’s objective is to enhance their roster for championship success. A significant asset in this pursuit is Jonathan Kuminga, whose two-year, $47 million contract offers trade flexibility.
Identifying Key Team Needs
The Warriors have three primary areas where they need improvement:
- Rim-protecting, floor-spacing center
- Additional scorer in the frontcourt
- Reliable, high-volume ball-handler behind Stephen Curry
Balancing these requirements poses a challenge, as it may not be feasible to address all of them before the deadline. The recent performance of Quinten Post further complicates matters.
Quinten Post’s Resurgence
Quinten Post has shown significant improvement in his game, particularly in his shooting accuracy. Over the last six games, he has recorded an impressive 45.8% shooting rate from beyond the arc, attempting an average of four shots per game. This resurgence comes after a slow start to the season, where he only managed to hit 32.1% of his three-point attempts in the first 31 games.
Impact on Warriors’ Center Situation
Last season, Post’s defensive capabilities were questioned, and his slow-footedness limited his effectiveness as a center. The Warriors acquired Al Horford to address this gap. However, Horford’s availability has been limited; he has played in just 18 of the team’s 37 games and has struggled with productivity.
Despite his limited role, Horford has recently improved, averaging 9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 47.1% over the past seven games. This uptick in performance creates uncertainty in the Warriors’ plans for the trade deadline.
Weighing Risks and Opportunities
The Warriors must evaluate their confidence in Post’s development as they approach the trade deadline. If his defensive progress is genuine and his shooting has stabilized, the team may not need to pursue an additional center. However, fully relying on Post to handle the primary center role poses a significant risk.
As the February 6th deadline approaches, the Warriors need to make strategic decisions. Balancing their aspirations for improvement while assessing the current roster’s potential will be key to their success in the postseason.
