Last year, Zaza Pachulia was exactly what the Warriors hoped: a solid center who fits in the Warriors system. He brought solid defense, rebounding, and free shooting as a starter, and played well with the Warriors’ stars. He was useful all the way until the Finals, when the game simply became too fast-paced and athletic for him.
The Warriors would love for Pachulia to sustain his play at the same level as last year. But at thirty-three years of age, Pachulia is already declining physically. The Warriors need for him to soak regular season minutes and be useful against most teams in the league.