How NBA Experts Evaluate the Warriors’ Free Agency Moves So Far originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
It has been a busy NBA free agency period to Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy, from franchise icon Klay Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks to Golden State’s acquisition of some new faces.
The Warriors acquired Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield in a six-team sign-and-trade deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets. Additionally, Golden State added guard De’Anthony Melton on a one year contract worth $12.8 million.
While Golden State has been linked to trade rumors surrounding Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, those reports have not come true. That said, here’s how NBA experts have evaluated the Warriors’ moves so far:
Friend Hield: B-plus
“Hield offers a remarkably good facsimile of Thompson’s shooting. Over the past two seasons, Hield has shot a slightly better percentage from beyond the arc (41 percent to Thompson’s 40 percent) on a slightly lower volume (9.6 attempts per 36 minutes, compared to 11.2 for Thompson). Thompson is a more complete scorer and even a better defender, even after ACL and Achilles tendon injuries have sapped the quickness that once made him a perimeter defender. first line…” -Kevin Pelton
Kyle Anderson: B-minus
“Anderson is an interesting fit with the Warriors. I see some overlap between how Golden State might use him and the role Shaun Livingston once played for the Warriors as a non-shooter (Anderson made just 23% of his 3s last year , is at 34 percent for his career and takes a long time to really get right) whose basketball IQ fits well into the Warriors’ system….” -Pelton
De’Anthony Melton: A-minus
“A standout in terms of advanced statistics dating back to his only collegiate season at USC, Melton fills the box score and has become an above-average 3-point shooter, having shot 38 percent over the last four. As a result, teams from Melton typically played better with him on the court last season, when a lumbar spine injury in Melton’s back coincided with Joel Embiid’s knee surgery, the difference was a considerable 10.3 points per 100 possessions. according to Glass Cleaning analysis. …” -Pelton
De’Anthony Melton: B-plus
“It’s not Klay Thompson, but Melton helps the Warriors recover a little from their loss. He will never be feared as a shooter like Thompson was, but Melton can defend 94 feet. Draymond Verde It is Brandin Podziemski on the court at the same time could be a huge boost for Golden State’s perimeter defense. Melton needs to stay healthy, but this could be a great addition, although it would have been better when Thompson was still there.” -Zach Harper
De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson: A-minus
“…the Warriors sneakily made one of the best free agency signings by signing Melton. Back injuries were a big issue for him last season with the Sixers. If that gets resolved, he’s an entry-level player with great defense instincts and can shoot 3s effectively. Melton has a good chance to be better than Thompson next year if he can return to the level he was two seasons ago.
The Warriors also improved their game (and became even slower) with the addition of Anderson. He is a good defender and an experienced player who has possibly the slowest 3-point shot in the league. It’s a solid pick for them to get someone who can facilitate some offense when Curry rests.” -Stephen Noh
Kyle Anderson: One
“He had a loss in 2023-24, mainly as a shooter, but Kyle Anderson can defend the 3, 4 or 5 and attack as a power forward. Sentiment for the game has screamed “Warriors Player” for years. This technical team will put their broad skill set into practice.
Buddy Hield: B-minus
“Hield is a great shooter who will have a decent role on this team, but he had a rough end to the 2023-24 season and fell out of Philadelphia’s rotation. It’s a good move, but it comes at a significant disadvantage for Golden State.” -Chinmay Vaidya
Kyle Anderson:B
“It’s not a move that takes the Warriors over the top, but it’s not a bad change for them in the rotation. They still have a lot of work to do to build a candidate.” – Vaidya
