The Golden State Warriors are still sorting out the edges of their training camp roster, and Dalano Banton is one name that fits the conversation.
A year ago, Golden State had interest in the former Boston Celtics guard before he wound up signing a training camp deal with the Dallas Mavericks. That path didn’t last long.
Banton never stuck in Dallas, then logged just six combined games with the L.A. Clippers and Celtics last season, which leaves him available again as the Warriors work through their final roster decisions.
Banton’s case is built on production when he gets a real runway. He’s been strong in the G League, and he also had a solid finish to the 2023-24 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30 games.
Last season, he kept that momentum going with the Texas Legends. In 30 G League games, he put up 25.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.1 blocks. That performance led to a two-year contract with Boston in February, but he was waived on July 9 and remains a free agent.
For Golden State, the appeal is obvious enough. The team could use another player to push the competition for the 15th spot, and Banton gives them a different kind of look.
The Warriors have already signed Brandon Williams, though his non-guaranteed contract keeps the door open for more movement. Dalen Terry is also on the books on a training camp deal after being waived in July by the Philadelphia 76ers following the arrivals of LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Banton is especially interesting because of his size. At 6'9", he can handle the ball and create for others, which is the kind of piece Golden State could lean on as it tries to build offense early in the season without Jimmy Butler.
The Warriors’ recent interest in Ben Simmons before his move to the Sacramento Kings points in the same direction. That said, Williams still looks like the likelier candidate to end up as the backup point guard after averaging 13.0 points and 3.9 assists with the Dallas Mavericks last season.
Banton has played 222 games over five NBA seasons and carries career averages of 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 40.1% from the floor and 30.3% from 3-point range.
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