The Golden State Warriors will need some defensive productivity from their backcourt if the storied franchise wishes to capture its eighth NBA championship in 2025-26.
In an effort to increase the intensity and surround the team’s 4-time NBA champion and future Hall of Fame point guard Stephen Curry with another accomplished defensive presence off of the bench, Golden State’s general manager Mike Dunleavy could make an unconventional decision.
Curry and Co. are seeking a deep postseason run in 2025-26, and ex-Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo could be of service to the Warriors’ defensive core and an important potential free agent signing, overall.
At 33 years old, Oladipo successfully raised his free agent stock after two appearances with the CBA’s Guangzhou Loong Lions to this juncture throughout the NBA preseason.
The league’s 2018 steals leader (2.4) and 2018 All-Defensive First Team selection has averaged 22 points and 3.5 steals in his two contests against the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs while showing off his athleticism in the process.
For Golden State, possibly adding Oladipo to their bench rotation could eventually lead to a welcome uptick in positive defensive output thanks to his quick hands and impressive mobility.
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Of course, his main focus would be to guard the opposing team’s most capable offensive initiators alongside Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green whenever he touches the floor, a job that would allow for Curry to conserve energy.
Oladipo’s last gig as an NBA player came with the Miami Heat in 2022-23, a year that saw the former two-way star contribute 10.7 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds through 42 games.
It remains clear that Oladipo can affect games both as a consistent scoring force and game-wrecking perimeter defender, even in 2025. Still, the Warriors’ front office could think twice about employing the 2018 Most Improved Player winner due to his notable past injury concerns.
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