Warriors forward Nemanja Bjelica is becoming a quick fan favorite. After his 15-point, 11-rebound, four-assist Dubs debut in Tuesday’s season-opening win against the Los Angeles Lakers, the crew at @TheWarriorsTalk has even made some “We Bjelieve” gear already.
It turns out Golden State has had its eyes on Bjelica for a while now. Warriors president of basketball operations Bob Myers told Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky of 95.7 The Game’s “The Morning Roast” that Bjelica was a trade target during the 2020-21 season.
“We tried to trade for him a few times last year and couldn’t find the right deal for them and us,” Myers said. “And then he moved to Miami and never really got a foothold there. But we always liked him, because we thought he could fit what we do, which is what you guys see. A lot of read-and-react stuff, a lot of randomness.”
Bjelica couldn't carve out a significant role under Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton, playing 26 games before being traded to the Miami Heat, where he played in just 11 contests over the final six weeks of the season.
Shortly after signing with the Warriors in August, Bjelica approached Myers and some other members of the team brass as they ate a team breakfast function.
“He looked at us and said, ‘Finally, this is where I want to be,’” Bjelica said.
Myers likened Bjelica’s situation to Andre Iguodala’s signing in 2013, when it was clear Golden State was the preferred destination.
“Players that are smart, they also see it,” Myers said.
The 6-foot-10 Bjelica showed off his handle, passing ability and ability to kick-start the offense with dribble-drive penetration Tuesday. The 33-year-old racked up 26 minutes and proved he can be much more than a set shooter, while flourishing in Steve Kerr’s offensive system.
“One game, fine,” Myers said. “But maybe he’ll have 20 days like that, maybe he’ll have 10, I don’t know how many he’ll have. I hope he has a lot. But he’s capable. We haven’t had a big … well, Draymond does have the passing and obviously has the defense. But Bjelica has the offense.”
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Myers also made a bold statement when it comes to the shooting prowess of Bjelica and fellow free-agent signee Otto Porter Jr.
“In a 3-point shooting contest in our facility, if you grabbed Steph [Curry], Klay [Thompson], Porter or Bjelica -- and that’s not to knock [Jordan] Poole or Damion Lee or anybody else, but to me it’s those four -- I don’t know who’s going to win that,” Myers said. “They’re that good of shooters.
“Now can they shoot it off the dribble like Steph and Klay, quick release? That’s a different skill. But straight shooting? If you guys came and watched practice and watched those guys, it’s real.”
