Chris Mannix names player who can elevate Golden State Warriors: "28-year-old multi-positional defender who shoots 3s and has championship experience"
The Golden State Warriors have still not flipped the switch that most NBA fans and basketball analysts believed was inevitable. A few have argued that they can’t turn it on simply because they don’t have the personnel to do it now.
The Warriors’ bloated payroll meant they had to let significant contributors from their championship run last season go in the offseason. They were hoping that their free-agent acquisitions and their young players would fill the void.
However, that's not happened. For most of the season, their bench has been a catastrophe, which has led to their terrible record on the road. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, on the Colin Cowherd podcast, suggested the Warriors should pursue a trade for Alex Caruso to help their cause.
(From the 10:18 mark in the video below)
“James Wiseman for Alex Caruso straight up works. Alex Caruso doesn’t have anywhere near the upside of James Wiseman but he is a 28-year-old multi-positional defender who shoots the three and has championship experience. This version of the Warriors needs that.
He added:
“They need Alex Caruso or something like that to get them to a championship level. If they don’t get that player, as much as I respect the Currys, Thompsons, Greens, the guys who have been there before, I don’t think they have enough to get past the upper-tier teams in the Western Conference.”
James Wiseman has struggled this season after sitting out last year due to a knee injury. Steve Kerr sent him to the G-League to improve his game away from the spotlight of the NBA.
The No. 2 pick of the 2020 draft may yet develop into a star player for the Golden State Warriors. But that's going to take some time. The Warriors can’t wait for that as Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green's window to win is now.
Alex Caruso, meanwhile, has played in 45 games for the Chicago Bulls and has been indispensable due to his versatility and outside shooting.
Caruso’s 40.2% from behind the arc will only bolster the Golden State Warriors' offense and give their opponents an additional problem to solve. His defense is solid and will make up for many of their lapses on that end.
The Chicago Bulls need to be blown away by the Golden State Warriors' offer to entertain trading Alex Caruso
The Golden State Warriors aren't the only team that could be interested in trading for Alex Caruso. Several teams have reportedly inquired about the guard’s price tag. Interested teams may have to give the Bulls two first-round picks to get him.
Chicago, despite keeping the roster that went to the playoffs last season, is struggling. They have a 25-27 record, a huge payroll, and could be eliminated from postseason contention shortly.
The Bulls are reportedly looking to trade Alex Caruso for two 1st round picks before the trade deadline https://t.co/P1h2OHzBow
With Steph Curry out until at least after the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors may need to bite the bullet, as Chris Mannix said, and push for a trade. Alex Caruso or someone like him could help them turn on the proverbial switch and make a strong run ahead of the postseason.