3: Determine Bogut’s Successor
You know it’s a new era when the Warriors only have to worry about 1.5 positions (center & small forward on a bad day) in their long term future. You also know to be worried about Bogut’s health when he’s barely hitting free throws at a higher percentage this season (55.3%) then he’s playing in regular season games over the past 4 seasons (54.9%).
Yet, Festus Ezeli has brought Warriors fans hope since he returned 12 games ago. Since then he leads the Warriors in Defensive Rating (points given up per 100 possessions) by a differential greater than the differential that separates the Warriors’ 2nd and 6th best Defensive Rated players (Curry & Bogut). In other stats he’s at least equivalent with Bogut: specifically, FG%, blocks, and the differential in their on-court plus-minus compared to their off-court plus-minus.
If Ezeli can gradually develop into a capable replacement by the time Bogut decides to return to the island they call a continent, the Warriors will have a nucleus entirely in their 20s. Yet, the Warriors mustn’t waist any prime seasons of this contender while waiting for Ezeli to progress. Essentially, the Warriors mustn’t pull an OKC and waist any prime years of their superstars.
The Warriors have reached a point so many teams reach but never cross, the divide between a potential multi-championship winning franchise and one that’s simply very good. The long term future is in their court, and speaking for all Warriors fans, We Believe!