The Warriors have one roster spot remaining, and they plan to give veteran center JaVale McGee a chance to fill it, CSNBayArea.com has confirmed.
The team and McGee have reached agreement, according to league sources. He is expected to sign a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the veteran's minimum ($1.4 million). ESPN national reporter Marc Stein was first to report Golden State signing the veteran big man to a "make-good deal for a chance to make the team in training camp."
He is a willing, even eager, rim protector, which is why the Warriors would be willing to take a look. The team also realizes that McGee's desire to generate the highlight play often is at the root of mental errors that border on slapstick.
Taken 18th overall in the 2008 draft, McGee has played with four different teams over his eight-year career. Clearly among the most athletic big men in the league, the 7-footer has not been able to translate that into production.
McGee, 28, was available after being waived by the Mavericks on July 8. He spent one season in Dallas, playing in 34 games (two starts), averaging 5.1 points, 3.9 rebounds in 10.9 minutes.
McGee's best season was in 2011-12, when he averaged 11.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks while splitting the season between the Wizards and the Nuggets.
Golden State Warriors
Should McGee make the roster, he likely will be among several players – including veteran Anderson Varejao and rookie Damian Jones – to backup expected starter Zaza Pachulia.
This is a gamble for the Warriors, but it's one they'll be able to walk away from should they not be satisfied.
