Nemanja Bjelica has been an unlikely bright spot for the Golden State Warriors this season.
The club signed the 33-year-old Serbian for a veteran minimum in August, but such a seemingly insignificant move provides more value than the Western Conference powerhouse could have hoped.
Basketnews' Augustas Suliauskas took a look at what makes Bjelica such a great addition for the Warriors and why the Serbian power forward is successful playing as a center.
Bjelica is a terrific stretch four, but the Warriors are utilizing the big man as a stretch five, and this move by head coach Steve Kerr is giving substantial benefits.
Kevon Looney and Draymond Green are not exceptional three-point shooters, therefore, having a mobile big who can shoot from the range opens up a wide variety of options for an already-explosive offense.
The Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is enjoying playing with Bjelica. With opponents giving most of their attention to Curry, Bjelica reaps the rewards as the tandem's pick-and-pop action gives opposing team nightmares.
Being a great creator for his size, the Serbian forward benefits from being around a long list of shooters. The signature off-ball movement of the Warriors players provides a ground for inventive plays.
Headlined by split action, the club's offense features a plethora of action where Bjelica can showcase his vision, passing skills, and high basketball IQ.
The Serbian thrives when opponents miss him for even a split second, and there are plenty of chances to encounter such situations when you have Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and soon Klay Thompson around.
Nemanja Bjelica is a tremendous undercover weapon for the Warriors, and his expanded role a stretch five can prove crucial during the regular season or even in the playoffs. With another title run in the projection, Bjelica is an X-factor for an otherwise already immensely talented team.
For the full analysis, watch the video below:
Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.
