What it means for Chriss
Anthony Slater, Warriors beat writer: Devastating for a former lottery who disappointed his first few seasons, jumped around, almost blazed out of the league and finally found a home and rotation niche with the Warriors. Chriss was playing a consistent role as rugby center and was the energy in an up-tempo second unit, which was also the green light of 3. Now he had a long rehabilitation laid before him in front of unlimited free agency.
What it means for the Warriors
Slater: That leaves them with only two healthy centers. One of them, James Wiseman, is a promising rookie, but still a rookie. The other, Looney, has spent most of last season on health issues. They may be creative and give Draymond Green a little center, but they were already thin in that spot. It might be time to go look for some outside help.
What are some possible answers?
Slater: At the end of the Warriors series, Alen Smailagic is a theoretical piece. He’s in his second season, but is an extreme project and is probably not ready to contribute regularly, not even in a minor role. They can try out the idea (although he currently has a minor knee problem) or use his robbery, Mychal Mulder (non-guaranteed contracts), or release one of their two-way slots. Best name there, probably: Dewayne Dedmon.
(Photo: Kyle Terada / USA TODAY Sports)