The Golden State Warriors are another superstar away from being in business in the Western Conference.
The franchise may take a massive gamble by acquiring a New Orleans Pelicans phenom whose career has been riddled with injuries.
“Acquiring Zion Williamson may sound enticing for the Golden State Warriors, but this trade screams catastrophe,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Tuesday.
“Zion’s immense potential is undeniable—when healthy, he’s a dominant force, averaging 22.7 points and 8.0 rebounds this season. But “when healthy” is the operative phrase, as Zion has played a total of 190 games over six seasons which averages 31 games per season.”
“Trading for him means gambling the Warriors’ present and future on a player who might never stay on the court consistently.”
“The cost is exorbitant. Draymond Green is the Warriors’ emotional and defensive anchor, while Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody represent the team’s long-term potential.”
“Throw in Gary Payton II’s elite perimeter defense, and the Warriors are left with a depleted roster that can’t contend, even if Zion miraculously stays healthy. The 2023 first-round pick is just icing on the cake for how badly Golden State gets fleeced here.”
“Zion’s style of play also clashes with the Warriors’ fluid, motion-based offense. His ball-dominant, paint-heavy game doesn’t align with the Warriors’ reliance on spacing and off-ball movement.”
“For a team that has started the season 14-11 and looks like a legitimate playoff contender, this trade risks everything for a player with more question marks than answers.”
Since joining the NBA in 2019, Williamson has been one of the most efficient downhill attackers in the league, shooting 58.7% from three-point land for his career.
Unfortunately, the Duke product has dealt with significant injuries with the Pelicans, causing many to doubt his ability to remain healthy.
While Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season, a left hamstring strain has limited the two-time All-Star to six contests this year, making him a high-risk target for the Warriors.
Swapping a four-time NBA champion who’s a physical defender with underrated playmaking chops in Green for Williamson wouldn’t be a wise investment for the Dubs this season.
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