The Golden State Warriors rookie’s performance was one of the silver linings of the team’s recent loss.
It was the same old story for the Golden State Warriors in their latest game against the Sacramento Kings.
Despite sitting on top of an 18-point lead at the end of the first half, the Dubs’ defense was utterly destroyed by the Kings in the second half.
After four quarters, the Kings pulled away with an impressive 123-117 win over the Warriors. Rookie Quinten Post’s contributions off the bench were one of the only positives from the embarrassing defeat.
Head coach Steve Kerr is famous for running small-ball lineups. Initially, the strategy worked well, but it’s obvious that the rest of the NBA has devised methods to outplay Kerr’s tactic.
Kevon Looney is the team’s primary center, but the 28-year-old veteran made an early exit due to illness vs. the Kings. In his absence, Post stepped up and received huge praise from Stephen Curry.
“I don’t think we have played together even in training camp or practice. We’ll develop that chemistry for sure. … He’s going to get comfortable pretty quick,” Curry said.
Curry was also asked if playing with a stretch five is important to him. The Baby-Faced Assassin did admit that it certainly helps to have a seven-footer who can shoot well.
“You have a counter to aggressive defenses that want to take the ball out of my hands. … Try to create advantage off his presence — or a shooter’s presence at the five. It definitely helps.”
With illness looming over Looney’s head, the Warriors need Post to play well in the coming days. Considering he is a seven-footer who can shoot well, Post could be the answer to the Dubs’ struggles.
Being the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Post is unsurprisingly low on coach Kerr’s pecking order. However, with the Warriors now 21-22 for the season, it’s high-time to make changes to the rotation.
Coach Kerr admitted that Post impressed him vs. Sacramento and he will utilize that ‘luxury’ in the future.
“We were planning on playing Post regardless of Looney’s illness. You saw we got him out there in the first half. Playing with a space big is a luxury,” Kerr told the media.
“He changes the look out there. He can hit a 3. He can pass. You saw him battling Sabonis. It’s a different look and I’d like to give him some time,” Kerr added.
So far, Post has played in just five games for the Warriors this season. Evidently, his numbers aren’t that great due to a lack of finding his rhythm.
But with Looney out with illness and coach Kerr looking for a stretch five, it may be time for Post to shine.
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