Omari Spellman, a forward the Golden State Warriors traded for this past offseason, has been one of the team’s better young talents.
The Golden State Warriors are looking to develop multiple young players, and one of the team’s offseason acquisitions, Omari Spellman, has been the sophomore stud. He’s been better than the team’s 2018 first-round pick Jacob Evans III.
Spellman was the last pick of the 2018 first round. He had a mediocre rookie season with the Hawks, posting just under six points per game. However, the negative around Spellman is that he didn’t shoot efficiently.
This season, he’s changed that, one reason he’s taken a step forward in the Warriors frontcourt. Spellman is putting up just over seven points per game. While that’s solid, he’s shooting 44.8% from the field and almost 40% from downtown.
For Golden State, that’s what is most important, and Spellman is doing exactly what is asked of him.
While the trade market is heating up, it’s safe to say that the Warriors like both Spellman’s play and his contract. Don’t expect him to be going anywhere in the next few months. However, one player that may find a new home is Jacob Evans III.
The market isn’t quite there for Evans, but he has been a disappointment in his second season, struggling with both injuries and just overall inconsistency. He’s averaging 4.5 points per game and shooting 31% from the field.
That’s just the step that the Warriors needed him to take, and instead of Evans, it may be Spellman eventually getting that extension. Both players have a team option of just over $3.5 million after the 2021-2022 season.
Will both get extended? Will either step up in the limelight like Eric Paschall has?
For now, Spellman has the edge with his efficient play, but with time still remaining, Evans III has the skills to break out of his sophomore slump and be the team’s sophomore stud. It just remains unlikely.
Spellman has been the best second-year player on the Warriors.