Jimmy Butler's ACL tear was a devastating blow to the Warriors' chances of making a deep playoff run. Key members of the team -- including Stephen Curry, general manger Mike Dunleavy Jr., head coach Steve Kerr and owner Joe Lacob -- have expressed cautious optimism about the remainder of the season while maintaining a pragmatic view of their expectations.
Butler is an outstanding player whose style (highly efficient inside the arc, draws a ton of fouls, high-IQ play-maker on both ends, low turnovers, doesn't want to shoot threes) is pretty unique, given the prevalence of outside shooting around the NBA. Obviously, it's extremely difficult to replace a player of his level of competitiveness, skill, talent, athleticism, and size.
Curry's own knee injury has further clouded Golden State's outlook. The Warriors are 23-16 in games the two-time MVP has played this season, but have gone 7-12 without their leading scorer.
While the sense of urgency in Golden State is understandably high given the ages of their stars, injuries also create opportunities. One of my favorite things about following the league is seeing unheralded players show they're capable of playing legitimate rotation roles when they're given real minutes.
One Warriors player fitting that bill as of late is Gui Santos, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.
Fantastic article Rory !!
I appreciate what you’ve written here and all the information you’ve provided.
I’ve really become a Santos fan this year. His Ability to hit the three ball is everything and combined with his energy, that’ll keep him on the floor at least part time.
The only thing I would change is for the Dubs to try to get a guy who’s 6-8 instead of 6-5.
Even with his listed 7 foot wingspan at 6-5, I just think an extra 3 inches would help if everything else was the same. Shooting, energy, etc.
But the other side of the coin is that guy would be $20 million, $25 million instead of an affordable 6 to $9 million.
Again, excellent article Rory !!
Thank you.
Since the Warriors are very thin at the 3 and 4, they have a true need for Santos. I fully expect them to re-sign him, especially since Butler is injured for half or more of next year and because both Butler and Green are in their mid-30s. The Warriors need Santos’ energy.
Thanks for the detailed write-up of his strengths and weaknesses.