Should The Golden State Warriors Sign This Former NBA 8th Overall Pick?
The Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a slow start to the season and most recently lost to the Sacramento Kings by a score of 124-123 (they blew a 24-point lead).
With the loss, the Warriors dropped to 8-10 in their first 18 games, which has them as the tenth seed in the Western Conference.
On Wednesday evening, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that Gary Payton II will be out indefinitely.
With the team struggling and the loss of Payton II, I believe the Warriors should consider signing Stanley Johnson.
Why?
Johnson was the eighth pick in the 2015 NBA Draft but is still only 27 years old.
He spent last season with the San Antonio Spurs and averaged 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 53.3% from the field and 45.0% from the three-point range in 30 games.
Over the offseason, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Warriors brought in Johnson for a workout, which shows there has been a level of interest in the recent past.
Johnson could be a valuable addition to the Warriors' bench and replace some of the production that they will miss from Payton II.
In addition, the Warriors are known to bring the best out of veteran-role players.
At this point in Johnson's career, he would likely be able to be signed to a ten-day contract or a non-guaranteed minimum deal, so there would be no risk in signing him.
Over eight seasons, the former Arizona star has played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans.
His career averages are 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 39.1% from the field and 30.5% from the three-point range in 449 games (he has also appeared in seven NBA playoff games).
