The Golden State Warriors have a knack for uncovering hidden gems, and it looks like they may have struck gold again with Malevy Leons. After being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Leons showcased his potential in a standout performance against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Leons, a 26-year-old forward, finally got his chance to shine with the Warriors due to the absence of several veteran players. In nearly 18 minutes on the court, he made a significant impact on both ends, catching the eye of fans and analysts alike.
With his 6'9" frame and a 7'1" wingspan, Leons brings much-needed size to the Warriors. But it wasn't just his physical attributes that stood out. His defensive prowess, active rebounding, and an emphatic dunk from the perimeter highlighted his ability to contribute meaningfully.
Leons wrapped up the night with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block, shooting an efficient 3-of-5 from the field and hitting his lone three-point attempt. Despite missing a couple of late free throws, his performance didn't go unnoticed by head coach Steve Kerr.
"I thought Malevy was awesome. Just the energy, defending without fouling.
Creating some problems for them on the defensive end of the floor, and then making some nice plays on offense too. It was fun to watch him play," Kerr remarked post-game.
While it might take time for Leons to secure a regular spot in the Warriors' rotation, he can take inspiration from teammates Gui Santos and Moses Moody, who also had to wait for their opportunities before becoming key contributors.
The future looks promising for Leons, who remains eligible for a two-way contract for two more years. His performance against the Grizzlies is a strong indication that the Warriors should continue to invest in his development.