WARRIORS PRACTICE FACILITY, OAKLAND, CA– One of the weak points for the Golden State Warriors last year was their production off of the bench. Several off-season and mid-season acquisitions lent some aid to a hobbling second unit, but they never really clicked.
The Warriors bench players scored 28 points per game which ranked 24th in the league. If the Warriors want to be in the same class as the San Antonio Spurs, who ranked first in that category, that is an area that they need to fix.
With the addition of many key bench guys, including Shaun Livingston, Brandon Rush, and the return of Festus Ezeli, this year’s Warriors team will be looking to make that an area of strength rather than weakness.
At this year’s #TweediaDay, we caught up with some of the key bench guys to see what they are doing to make sure the second unit isn’t an issue this season.
Brandon Rush seemed very confident that he can fill the void that was left by last season’s lack-luster bench, when asked about what was missing.
“Just that spark. I don’t think last year they had that spark,” Rush told us during a media day interview session, “some guys get a good block, get a big rebound, hit a big three. I don’t think they had that last year, and it’s good to be able to try to fill that void.”
We also spoke to one of last season’s key bench players, Marreese Speights, who had the same vision when we asked what will be different this year.
“We know each other a lot this year. If you get an opportunity to play consistent minutes instead of just going in and out, it’s always going to make it a lot better,” Speights told us, “This year we are going in to training camp with a good mindset.”
“I’m going to be prepared every time my name is called,” Speights said when asked about what he can do personally to help the second unit out, “if I play 5 minutes or 15 minutes I’m going to be prepared.”
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