Surprise move: Warriors waive Kosta Perovic

The Warriors severed ties with backup center Kosta Perovic, at least for the upcoming season.

It’s a decision that comes as a surprise given his youth (23) and upside. The Warriors drafted Perovic #38 overall in the 2006 draft. He has shown promise in the paint and will get a chance to develop his game further in Spain, joining Pamesa Valencia.

The big man will be joining a league that has produced a lot of current and former NBA contributors, namely Pau Gasol, Jose Calderon and Andres Nocioni. Rudy Fernandez, soon to be of the Blazers, was a part of that league (and lit up the US team during the Olympics, as you may recall). Ricky Rubio will be the next stud to leave to head to the association once he’s eligible in 2009.

The 7-foot-2 Serbian averaged 1.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in seven games with the Warriors this season. In an arrangement with the Dubs, his salary of $1.6 million for each of the next two seasons is now off the books. They will likely get first dibs for Perovic’s services should he decide to rejoin the NBA down the line.

His departure is great news for the free agents the Warriors have brought in to compete during training camp. Anthony Morrow, DeMarcus Nelson, Dion Dowell and Rob Kurz now have a legitimate crack at a roster spot.