3 Golden State Warriors that must step up as injuries plague roster

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors player that must step up: Damion Lee

There won’t be too much opportunity for long, but until Thompson gets to playing a normal amount of minutes, Damion Lee will have a chance to prove that he belongs in the rotation.

Lee has struggled to get time with the eruption of Gary Payton II. Payton II does what the Warriors need most for a player that’s going to tag-team the second unit backcourt with Jordan Poole. He defends.

Lee is going to have to step up on that end and continue to display a high degree of shot-making. This is Lee’s fourth season with the Warriors, and he’s scoring 8.3 points per game.

After nearing 40% from deep last season, Lee is around 36% from three-point land in 32 games this season.

The 6-foot-5 29-year-old has also shown an ability to make big-time shots, having drilled a buzzer-beater last year. With Curry out for two of them, Lee has been able to step up and play over two quarters per game over the team’s last three outings, prior to their win over Detroit.

He should continue to get at least 18 minutes per game, and if he can step his efficiency up, he should have a chance to keep a spot in the rotation.

Home/Warriors News