FanPost

How Javale McGee Can Succeed on the Warriors

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Javale "Pierre" McGee has been one of the most entertaining and sensationalizing players in the NBA for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, not for reasons related to good basketball, but rather lack thereof. The mere mention of his name has become synonymous with Shaqtin' a Fool and connotes memories of broken fast breaks, wildly ridiculous shot attempts, and a horde of other outrageous basketball plays.

With all the baggage that comes with McGee, some fans have questioned the validity and logic behind his training camp invitation. Today, we look at how one of the most athletically-gifted centers can finally succeed on the Warriors.

1. Simple Basketball

This may be asking a little much from the 2x Shaqtin' a Fool MVP, but there's reason to think McGee will be able to play within himself on the Warriors. Nearly every other team Javale has played on, he's been asked or expected to live up to his true basketball potential. However, the Warriors are unequivocally the most talented team McGee has ever played on. The Warriors don't need him to do more or even as much as he's been asked to do, they'll actually ask him to do less.

2. Rim Protection

Clearly, the Warriors will need little help putting the ball in the hoop, but they'll need substantial help protecting the hoop on the other end of the court. While Zaza Pachulia is an adequate NBA center, Warriors fans will miss having two shot-blocking centers. A staple of the Warriors has been defensive excellence and despite having a number of talented wings, the paint will be left unprotected.

The comedic center rotation of Pachulia and Varejao doesn't even surmount a combined career one blocked shot per game. On the other hand, comedy-star McGee has averaged nearly two blocks per game for his career in limited minutes (3.4 per 36 minutes). If Javale can stay committed and focused on defense, while limiting his birdbrained offense, he will be a plus in the box score.

3. Athleticism

The Warriors have a number of athletic players on their roster, but are particularly void of athleticism at center. This likely won't pose an issue against 90% of the teams in the NBA, but it's difficult for me to imagine Pachulia or Varejao holding their ground against the likes of athletic centers like Demarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, Karl-Anthony Towns, etc. McGee certainly doesn't completely quell the issue, but at least he can break up lobs and run the floor as well as any center in the league. In fact, McGee can catch a few alley-oops himself, literally. In all serious though, his athleticism at the rim could provide the Warriors with another legitimate threat when defenders inevitably stay too attached to Curry, Thompson, and Durant.

If Javale can play within himself and his role, he will undoubtedly break the rotation and become a relevant NBA player again. Of course, this all hinges on him actually understanding the Warriors system and limiting his boneheaded plays. But if all goes well, perhaps Javale McGee will just be entertaining and sensationalizing, with no need of an explanation.

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!