Warriors Notes: Porzingis, Melton, Santos, More Veteran center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to become an unrestricted free agent this summer unless he signs an extension before then. According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors have been assessing Porzingis over the past several weeks as he considers his future with the team. Early signs suggest Porzingis has grown fond of the organization, particularly praising Rick Celebrini, Golden State’s director of sports medicine and performance, for his support during Porzingis’ ongoing health struggles. “Rick’s amazing,” Porzingis said after practice. “Rick is the GOAT, man. Really. I’m very happy with these guys, and I’m sure they will keep me on the same path.” Porzingis acknowledged that while he is still not playing high minutes due to his recovery process, his improved physical condition is leading to more opportunities on the court. He expressed hope for increased playing time and eventually earning a spot on back-to-back games, which he views as the next step in his development. Porzingis also highlighted the value of playing alongside Stephen Curry, though the 12-time All-Star guard’s knee injury has kept him sidelined since late January. Curry’s absence has limited Porzingis’ ability to fully integrate into the team’s system, but the Warriors remain optimistic about his return. De’Anthony Melton, another potential free agent, is also weighing his options. The 27-year-old combo guard has a $3.5 million player option for next season but indicated he may decline it. Melton emphasized his dedication to the league over eight years, stating, “I’ve put in a lot of time and effort and work into this. I think that should be rewarded.#de_anthony_melton #gui_santos #stephen_curry #kristaps_porzingis #rick_celebrini
Evolution of Gui Santos Defies Dubious Warriors Narrative SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have faced scrutiny in recent years for their ability to develop young players, with much of the criticism directed at coach Steve Kerr. However, the journey of forward Gui Santos offers a compelling counterpoint to this narrative. Santos, a late second-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft, has transformed into a key contributor for the team, embodying the patience and dedication required to thrive in the league. Santos’ development began nearly four years ago when he arrived in the Bay Area from Brazil. At the time, he was 20 years old, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing just 185 pounds, with limited English proficiency. Despite these challenges, Santos embraced the Warriors’ player-development plan, which emphasized learning to play alongside Stephen Curry, the franchise’s superstar. His commitment to this blueprint, reinforced by coaches and mentors, has been central to his growth. A former Brazilian national team player, Santos spent the 2022-23 season in the G League, where he honed his skills under Santa Cruz Warriors coach Seth Cooper. During this time, he gained strength, adding about 20 pounds, and sharpened his understanding of the NBA game. His determination was evident even when faced with setbacks, such as the departure of mentor Leandro Barbosa to Sacramento. Santos remained focused on his goal of playing for the Warriors, a dream he realized when the team signed him to an NBA minimum salary in 2023. By the 2023-24 season, Santos had become a regular on the roster, though his playing time was limited. He made his debut as a starter in February 2024 and quickly proved his value. Over the past 13 games, he has averaged 14.8 points and 4.0 assists, shooting 52.5% from the field and 35.#golden_state_warriors #steve_kerr #gui_santos #stephen_curry #joe_lacob
Warriors' Al Horford Returns to Starting Lineup for Monday's Game Al Horford is set to return to the Warriors' starting lineup for Monday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report from ClutchPoints.com. The move marks his first start since Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he came off the bench. In place of Horford, Gui Santos will be shifted to the bench in a corresponding adjustment. Horford’s return to the starting unit comes after a recent stretch of bench appearances, but he has shown strong performance in his previous four starts as a starter, consistently scoring in double figures. His presence in the starting five is expected to bolster the Warriors’ frontcourt depth as they prepare for the game against the Clippers. The decision to reinsert Horford into the starting lineup follows a series of recent updates regarding his availability. Earlier in the week, Horford had been sidelined due to a calf strain, with reports indicating he was not expected to play on Sunday. However, he was cleared to return to action by Tuesday, and his inclusion in the starting lineup for Monday’s game suggests he is progressing toward full fitness. The Warriors’ coaching staff has been balancing Horford’s minutes with the need to manage his workload, particularly given his recent injury history. His return to the starting role also reflects the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute effectively in key moments. As the team continues to navigate the competitive Western Conference, having Horford in the starting lineup provides an added layer of versatility and experience. This adjustment comes amid a busy schedule for the Warriors, who are looking to maintain their position in the playoff race.#warriors #los_angeles_clippers #gui_santos #al_horford #clutchpoints_com
