In all likelihood, Schröder will serve as a replacement for De’Anthony Melton in the backcourt, who was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. That doesn’t fix the Warriors’ lack of size. Between centers and forwards Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney, the Dubs don’t have a player taller than 6-foot-9.
The Warriors, in an effort to shore up the frontcourt, have been linked to Robert Williams III. He is also only 6-foot-9, making him a bit undersized for the position, but he is an adept rebounder and shot-blocker who could slot into Steve Kerr’s starting lineups.
“There have been some whispers that the Golden State Warriors were interested in acquiring a starting-caliber center that could help take some of the frontcourt pressure off on Draymond Green on a consistent basis,” wrote FanSided’s Michael Saenz on Sunday.
“While there could be a plethora of centers the Warriors could target before the NBA Trade Deadline, I do believe Robert Williams III could be an intriguing option for the team.”
“RWIII is prototypically a center that would fit right in with the Warriors. He can get up and down the floor with ease, is a strong defensive force at the rim, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective on the offensive end of the floor. RWIII has a knack for just fitting in.”
The Portland Trail Blazers have three starting-quality centers on their lineup between Williams III, Deandre Ayton and rookie Donovan Clingan, and with them going in a younger direction, the future in the Pacific Northwest belongs to Clingan.
Portland recently dropped the asking price for Jerami Grant, so the Warriors should be able to afford Williams III, even after trading Melton’s salary away.