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The Golden State Warriors have been pretty quiet so far during this NBA free agency period. While there were reports that they were close to signing veteran centre Al Horford, nothing has been made official yet. And now, one more potential backup option is off the table.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, free agent center Jock Landale has signed a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Landale wasn’t necessarily a top priority for the Warriors, but he would’ve added some much-needed size off the bench. He could’ve been a solid backup if the team ends up landing Horford. While his numbers from last season with the Rockets weren’t flashy (just 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game), he brought energy and hustle, exactly the kind of spark the Warriors’ bench could use.
Unlike Horford, Landale is still young and fresh, and wouldn’t come with the physical limits of a nearly 40-year-old player. Losing out on him highlights a bigger problem: the Warriors are running out of options.
One reason for the slow decision-making is Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency, which has likely tied up some of the Warriors’ flexibility. But at the same time, every day they wait, more players sign with other teams, and the pool of available centres keeps shrinking.
Right now, the Warriors are looking at starting next season with two young, inexperienced centres on the roster. That would put a heavy load on Draymond Green, who already has plenty of responsibilities on both ends of the floor. It’s not an ideal situation.
Golden State still needs to act fast. If they don’t secure Horford soon, they’ll need to pivot quickly, or risk going into the season with serious depth issues in the frontcourt.