The acquisition of Nemanja Bjelica did not excite many fans, nor was it expected to. His resumé is similar to that of ex-Warrior Jonas Jerebko, who signed three years ago and played sparingly for one season, his last in the NBA.
So those hoping the Warriors could acquire a former All-Star like Paul Millsap, a near All-Star like Rudy Gay or bring back young Marquese Chriss have no choice but to hope Bjelica can win them over as a value acquisition.
Which Bjelica, 33, can do if his deep shooting reaches the level of efficiency coach Steve Kerr wants from his reserve big man. Though he’s a good passer, 3-point shooting is the primary reason the 6-foot-10 Serbian is a Warrior.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Well, the marksmanship and Bjelica’s willingness to embrace a $2.1 million veteran minimum contract.
“I’m like the guy who can stretch the floor,” Bjelica said Friday morning, shortly after signing. “I can play multiple positions. I think I’m more than a shooter.
“I also spoke with coach Kerr. He’s also excited that I’m here. All the people here, they know what I can do and I know what my role is in the NBA. I think I can do so many good things. We’ll see.”
RELATED: Bjelica explains how his Warriors contract came together
Golden State Warriors
Bjelica (pronounced Bee-uh-LEET-sah) is a 38.7-percent career shooter from distance. He shot only 31.8 percent splitting last season between the Raptors and the Heat, where he appeared in only 11 games. He shot a career-high 41.8 percent beyond the arc with the Kings in 2019-20.
The Warriors have made a habit of bringing in veteran big men for a specific role, suited to their abilities. David West was a pick-and-pop shooter and splendid passer from the post, JaVale McGee and Willie Cauley-Stein were hired for vertical spacing. Jerebko was acquired to stretch the floor.
Bjelica arrives, as Jerebko did, with his NBA career as a crossroads. It’s a chance, maybe his last, to contribute to a team with high expectations.
“Finally, I’m in a winning organization,” he said. “There is no better place to be. There are no more excuses. I just need to do my job and be ready to help them get better and win.”
If he shoots 3-balls in the 40-percent range, he will have done exactly as the Warriors had hoped.