With Jonathon Simmons opting to play in China, at least for now, the Warriors still have plenty of wing options to study as they assemble their roster for next season. And make no mistake, they do covet switchable wings.
Each Thursday for through Oct. 29, we’ll take a comparative snapshot look at two free-agent wings that are financially realistic candidates and presumably are on the big board in the office of general manager Bob Myers.
The Warriors are not in position to offer much more than veteran-minimum deals unless they like someone enough to offer their $5.9 million taxpayer midlevel exception.
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We’ll compare five categories: Shooting, defense, athleticism, baggage and measurables. First up, two former Warriors: Kent Bazemore vs. Justin Holiday.
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SHOOTING
Golden State Warriors
Bazemore: Played sparingly last season with the Kings, shooting only 41.8 percent from the field, including 34.8 percent from deep. His career-best marks are 45.1 percent overall with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013-14 and 39.4 percent beyond the arc with the lowly Atlanta Hawks in 2017-18. His career percentages are 41.3 (FG), 35.1 (3P) and 72.6 (FT).
Holiday: A regular off the bench for the Indiana Pacers, who finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, shooting 42.8 percent overall, 40.5 from deep. His career-best marks are 43.3 percent overall with the New York Knicks in 2016-17 and 43.3 percent from deep with the Chicago Bulls in 2015-16. His career percentages are 39.6 (FG), 36.0 (3P) and 82.6 (FT).
Edge: Holiday.
DEFENSE
Bazemore: This is what has kept him in the league. His Defensive Real Plus/Minus runs from solid to impressive. He takes pride in using his 7-foot wingspan to block shots, get steals and generally harass all three perimeter positions -- and, against some lineups, four. In 68 games (21 starts), he had at least two blocks nine times and at least two steals 19 times.
Holiday: Another above average defender (maybe it runs in the family; brother Jrue is a top-notch defender) carrying a 7-foot wingspan, he excels on the ball, giving help or in the passing lanes. He’s lighter than Bazemore and, therefore, will struggle against physical forwards. In 73 games (six starts), he had at least two blocks seven times and at least two steals 22 times.
Edge: Both come to play. Too tight to call.
ATHLETICISM
Bazemore: 7 on a 1-to-10 scale. He was close to 8 before his right knee turned cranky.
Holiday: 7.5.
Edge: Holiday.
RELATED: Howard could be ideal NBA free agency target for Warriors
BAGGAGE
Bazemore: Was popular in his first run with the Warriors, largely due to his outgoing demeanor, and still has a friendship with Steph Curry. Everybody loves KB.
Holiday: Was well-liked as a Warrior and is a rock-solid citizen. No baggage here, but remaining teammates with his brother, Aaron, might be an influence.
Edge: Even.
MEASURABLES
Bazemore: 31 years old, 6-foot-5, 200 pounds. Made $19.3 million in the final season of a four-year contract.
Holiday: 31 years old, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds. Made $4.8 million, with a one-year contract.
OVERALL EDGE: Holiday. He has less of an injury history -- but likely will seek a bigger contract.