The Golden State Warriors have been trying desperately to add serviceable center talent to their roster in the aftermath of 3-time NBA champion Kevon Looney’s departure.
Looney’s decision to join the New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent put pressure on Golden State to fill the void, and the 39-year-old Al Horford has been tagged as his likely replacement.
Unfortunately, Jonathan Kuminga’s ongoing big as a restricted free agency has created a rather anticlimactic stalemate between he and the franchise, delaying a potential agreement between Golden State and the aging big man.
Between Kuminga’s summer saga and Horford reportedly mulling retirement as a secondary career choice, the Warriors may have to get creative in the very near future. According to recent updates, the organization may already have a plan in place in the event of Horford calling it a career.
“The main reason Horford and Melton, or any other player, have yet to sign with the Warriors is because of Kuminga’s holdout,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote Friday.
“If, by some chance, Horford decides he no longer wants to wait on the Warriors and he ultimately retires or joins another team, Trey Lyles and Chris Boucher would become backup plans for this team.”
“Until Horford signs, these two are forced to wait in free agency. Golden State is the only team being linked to Horford at this juncture, especially after Summer League.”
Though the 10-year veteran forward Trey Lyles would be an attractive option thanks to his catch-and-shoot prowess, the all-around offensive skillset of Chris Boucher may be a better fit for the Warriors’ scheme.
At 6-foot-9, the 32-year-old agile frontcourt force has developed into a versatile scorer and consistent distance shooting threat with an underrated handle.
In 50 appearances with the Toronto Raptors this past season, Boucher contributed 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds while knocking down 36.3% of his career-high 3.9 attempts from three-point range.
While Boucher might not compare to Horford on the defensive end, even as he prepares for what may be his 19th NBA campaign, his added offensive punch could provide a world of support for the Warriors’ 4-time NBA champion and 2022 NBA Finals MVP Stephen Curry.
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