Kristaps Porzingis’ latest health setback could end up creating an opening for Gui Santos.
Golden State still has to navigate the larger problem if Porzingis is unavailable for opening night against the Los Angeles Lakers later this month. But on the Warriors’ side, one player who clearly benefits is Santos, whose path back into the starting five suddenly looks a lot cleaner.
That wasn’t the case just a few days ago. Santos, who started 29 of Golden State’s final 31 games last season - including both Play-In Tournament games - was left out of the starting group for Sunday’s preseason opener against the LA Clippers, even after emerging as the team’s biggest bright spot down the stretch last year.
Steve Kerr opted to keep size on the floor by starting Al Horford, though he had already admitted before Tuesday night’s game against the Lakers that leaning on a 40-year-old starter would be tough with minutes needing to be managed.
Against Los Angeles, the Warriors went smaller, and Santos was back in the mix alongside Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green in the frontcourt. Santos didn’t light up the box score - he finished with seven points in 20 minutes and filled more of a supporting role - but the lineup itself told the bigger story.
Golden State looked much more alive. Even with the caveat that the Lakers were missing Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, the Warriors pushed the pace, ran the floor and played with a burst that was missing in Sunday’s loss to the Clippers. That showed up in a 45-point first quarter and 81 points by halftime.
Still, Santos’ role isn’t simple. The Warriors remain high on him after the way he finished last season, but Lendeborg, taken 11th overall in June’s NBA draft, has already made a strong early impression and appears set to claim one of those forward spots. Draymond Green’s place is secure, too, given Kerr’s trust in him and his fit with Stephen Curry.
So for Santos to get back into the starting lineup, Golden State likely has to go small and play all three forwards together. If Porzingis misses time, that’s the lane. And that’s why Santos stands to gain more than almost anyone else from the latest injury concern.
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