5 Warriors who need to step up in Curry's absence

Javale McGee

No.1 on the Warriors deserves every bit of credit he gets for working hard.

No kidding, Javale McGee has come a long way from his days as a 'Shaqtin' a Fool' legend. After bouncing around lottery teams like the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, he has finally found a home with the Warriors that reminds him of his upbringing at the hands of a champion.

Being the son of Pamela McGee, 3-time gold medallist and former University of Southern California superstar from the early 1980's era of basketball, certainly comes with its fair share of pressure and scrutiny which has been the source of much of his ridicule over his NBA career so far. But what is commendable beyond measure is how McGee has been able to shut down most of the outside noise (other than Shaq) and focus on imbibing the winning culture of the Golden State Warriors, which has rewarded him handsomely as a champion.

Granted, he is far from a first-choice scorer for the loaded Warriors, he will be expected to receive much less defensive attention from their playoff opponents with all the offensive firepower that the Warriors harbor on their wings. To capitalize on this opportune void created in the low post will be the best adjustment Steve Kerr and his coaching staff can make going into the playoffs against the Spurs, who lack much a defensive presence down low with LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol.

Javale McGee throughout all his antics, remains the best low- post scoring option on the entire Warriors roster. With his 7-foot tall frame, he will be ready to sky over the defense for quick drop-ins or long alley-oops as he'll be needing all 91 inches of his wingspan.