The Warriors’ search for an off-the-bench shooter has taken an interesting turn.
So far, Golden State has gotten Chris Babb thrown into the David Lee trade and signed Jarell Eddie and Ian Clark. Clark is the most-experienced of the bunch with just 53 NBA games in two seasons. Babb is the oldest at only 25.
Ben Gordon – age 32 with 744 games played – brings a different element.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Gordon is a long way from the player who starred in the Bulls’ thrilling seven-game first-round series against the Celtics in 2009. He has since spent six nondescript years with the Pistons, Bobcats and Magic.
At least Gordon’s 3-point shooting rebounded last season to 36%, up from 28% the year prior. If Gordon projects to get near his 40% career mark – Golden State will get him many open looks – he could make the regular-season roster.
That’s really Gordon’s only marketable skill at this point, and it isn’t even certain his shooting stroke his still reliable. His poor defense and passing are unquestionable, perhaps fading too quickly at age 32 for him to remain in the league.
It seems Gordon has coasted since getting his big contract from Detroit. If that continues with Golden State, Babb, Eddie or Clark will beat him out. Those three youngsters are too hungry and too talented to all fall to a fading Gordon.
But if Gordon shows a renewed sense of purpose to make a team that will take him to the playoffs for the first time since Chicago, Gordon could be another interesting piece on the already loaded Warriors.