The Golden State Warriors’ Summer League squad has shown promise but could be significantly stronger with one notable absence.
Led by newly drafted players Will Richard and Alex Toohey, the Warriors have won two of their first three games.
Their recent 96-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies showcased Richard’s efficiency, as he scored 12 points on 62.5% shooting.
However, the team’s potential remains untapped without second-year center Quinten Post.
Post decided to skip this year’s Summer League to participate in a chess tournament organized by former MVP Derrick Rose.
The unique opportunity allowed him to meet some of chess’s greats, including world champion Magnus Carlsen.
The experience provided Post with a different competitive environment compared to his NBA duties. Chess is defined as a sport by the Olympic committee – but it is a game based around mental abilities rather than physical.
“It’s a completely different experience. As in, like, there’s no expectations obviously when I play chess against Magnus. There are expectations when I play on an NBA court against LeBron or whoever we face,” Post explained to NBC.
“Magnus is actually a huge Warriors fan. He watches every single game, he told me. So that was an easy point of the conversation, and he seemed pretty well-versed in basketball. He’s a huge Steph [Curry] fan, too,” Post added.
Post’s admiration for Carlsen mirrors his respect for basketball’s greatest players. He views the chess grandmaster as occupying a similar position in his sport.
“Probably the greatest to ever do it,” Post said of Carlsen. “Modern era, he’s like a Curry or like a LeBron of the chess world.”
Post’s absence becomes more notable when considering the Summer League’s typical purpose.
The competition usually serves as a platform for young and unproven players to demonstrate their potential and gain valuable experience.
Several players from Post’s draft class have used this opportunity effectively. Kal’el Ware has impressed with the Miami Heat, while Yves Missi has showcased his skills with the Pelicans.
The Warriors’ decision to exclude both Post and teammate Tryce Jackson-Davis from their Summer League roster represents a different developmental approach.
While Post’s chess tournament experience offers unique value, his presence could have elevated the team’s Summer League performance significantly.
