A pair of impending free agents provided a glimpse of what an ideal Warriors lineup could look like if they’re re-signed, Monte Poole of NBCSportsBayArea.com writes.
Kristaps Porziņģis and De’Anthony Melton combined for 57 points againt the Wizards on Monday during a 125-117 victory. That snapped Golden State’s five-game losing streak.
Porziņģis will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and Melton is expected to decline his $3.5MM option and hit the free agent market. If they remain with Golden State, the lineup next season could include Porziņģis at center, Draymond Green and Gui Santos at forward, with Stephen Curry and Melton in the backcourt. Jimmy Butler would slot in after he fully recovers from the torn ACL in his right knee.
“Working my way back into good shape,” Porziņģis said. “Today I think was a pretty big step forward for me. I was having fun out there playing with the guys that were finding me. I probably should have ended with more [points]; I smoked three or four that I should have made, so there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”
Here’s more on the Warriors:
- The victory carried some historical significance for head coach Steve Kerr. He became the 28th coach in NBA history to reach 600 wins, Nick Friedell of The Athletic notes. He also became the seventh coach to notch 600 wins with a single team. “I owe, I guess the honor, to incredible talent and a great organization,” Kerr said. “To work for the Warriors, to be part of this group, amazing group of people, that Joe Lacob and Peter Guber put together, just to be a part of this, I’m so blessed. Most organizations are not this strong and this aligned. I’m very, very lucky.”
- Butler provided an update on his knee rehab. He reunited with the team for the first time since his ACL surgery on Feb. 9. He anticipates playing at some point next season. “I do want to come back,” Butler said, per Friedell. “I can’t say when. Obviously, as early as I can to help my guys win some games. But you’ll probably hear me say from time to time (in this process), whenever my body’s ready … whenever my body’s ready, I promise I’m trying to get back out there.”
- Al Horford, Stephen Curry, Seth Curry and Moses Moody remain out for their game against Boston on Wednesday, Celtics reporter Bobby Manning tweets. Quinten Post (foot) and LJ Cryer (hamstring) are listed as questionable.
Now you’ve done it. Winning the chip.
If you say so, it must be true.
Lmfao are you aware what day it is or do you need me to join the dots?
Amatuer Day. The bars are packed.
I’m surprised someone else hasn’t posted a rant about Kerr getting his 600th win. I’m expecting hurricane you-know-who to blow through any second.
Kerr also achieved something that only 3 other NBA players, or coaches, have achieved. Curry, Shaquille, and Kobe are the other 3. One of the Warriors owners has done it also.
The Wizards are on a legendary streak of getting other guys PAID lmao
Gloating over a Wiz win. Sad that none of the chosen ones put up 83.