Ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline, there is a slew of players linked to the Golden State Warriors. The first 38 games of the season clearly indicated the Warriors’ biggest weaknesses and the types of players who could elevate the team.
With the Warriors’ defense holding strong, offense is the primary concern. One of the best shooters from beyond the arc, Michael Porter Jr., is an ideal fit for the team.
MPJ’s Elite Scoring
Porter’s first season with the Brooklyn Nets has given him more leeway to showcase his offensive talent. He is shooting 41.1% from three on the most attempts of his career (9.1). He’s averaging 26.1 points per game, a drastic increase from 18.2 points last season in Denver.
Though the Warriors consistently get great looks on their shot attempts, they struggle to knock them down. Golden State attempts the most threes in the NBA, yet ranks just 15th in three-point percentage. On top of that, just under 45% of all their field goal attempts are either open or wide open. Their failure to capitalize on good looks is where Porter’s presence matters most.
A potential Porter addition not only provides three-point scoring, but also offers another rim threat. At 6-foot-10, he is an excellent finisher at the rim — another area that has been a struggle for the Warriors.
The versatility of his scoring makes him an asset that Golden State badly lacks. His ability to run in transition and cut to the basket helps produce easy points.
Given how opponents swarm Stephen Curry, the team needs someone who will make defenses pay. Porter has never played with a shooter like Curry. As much as Curry would benefit from having him, the pairing would be mutually beneficial to Porter. A symbiotic pairing between the two is the kind of partnership that could boost the Warriors into a top team in the West.
Curry isn’t the only player Porter could work well with. If Jimmy Butler were to remain a Warrior in a potential Porter trade, his burden would significantly lighten as well. Butler thrives at setting up his teammates and has the I.Q. to adjust to various players’ styles. The best lineups involving Butler have involved him surrounded by shooting threats. Despite the 36-year-old shooting over 40% from three this season, Porter’s consistent shooting prowess would create more space for Butler to operate.
Off-Court Connection
As important as building an on-court relationship would be for Porter and Curry, the two already have a shared history off it. They have not only worked out together before, but Porter also attended Curry’s SC30 Select Camp in high school.
Curry is the only shooter that Porter is willing to rank above himself. He has praised Curry in the past for his incredible work ethic, admiring his conditioning and disciplined regimen.
Throughout the years, the three-point record holder has been a sounding board for Porter. If MPJ has any questions or is looking to sharpen his craft working out with him, Curry is always responsive.
Having a pre-existing relationship should only bolster their connection as teammates – if that were to manifest.
Porter is an Ideal Fit
From size, to shooting, to youth, the University of Missouri alum checks several boxes the Warriors have.
His years in Denver showed him what it takes to win an NBA title; his time with the Nets has primed him to carry a larger load. Both experiences are conducive to the kind of traits that Golden State could leverage for a big push to contend.
The Warriors owe it to their superstar to make a move that will help the team become competitive once again. There is no guarantee that a Porter acquisition will take the team to the top. Still, the talents he possesses align exactly with what the Warriors need. And for now, that should be enough to make it happen.
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