5 Santa Cruz Warriors Players That Deserve an NBA Call-Up

Elgin Cook || F || 24 || 6’6″ || 210 lbs.

In 19 appearances for the Sea Dubs, Cook averages 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 56.3 percent shooting from the field and 31.8 percent shooting from behind the arc — and did I mention he does all this on a per game average of 23.2 minutes?

That’s right: after all this talk of Hamilton and Southerland being tied for second in PER, we finally find out who leads the team in PER (23.1). His game is truly a credit to his name because the guy is an absolute chef on the hardwood, and he does it all coming off the bench for less than 25 minutes a game.

And that doesn’t even go into HOW he scores, because this dude is a raging monster when he’s going downhill. I honestly feel sorry for guys that attempt to challenge him in transition because he’s not like other players that will attempt a fancy dribble move to get past guys — he will mow you down like a freight train without brakes.

Per the official NBA D-League stats site, Cook is first on his team in fast break points per game (4.7), first on his team in points off turnovers per game (3.9), first on his team in points in the paint (10.7), and second on his team in second chance points (2.7).

Among D-League players that have played at least 10 games this season, Cook is fourth in FBP and eighth in PITP. He’s also second in win shares on his team (2.1), second on his team in true shooting percentage (63.6), and easily the team leader in offensive rating (121.1).

Put simply: dude is a beast, and with a little more time and development, I have little doubt we’ll be seeing Cook in the big leagues. He’s athletic, he has solid scoring instincts, he’s physical, he’s tough, and he has a great motor. Teams will find it difficult to ignore the energy he brings off the bench.