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Is Golden State Warriors’ 15th roster spot a fait accompli?

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Anthony Lamb #40 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after making a basket in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Anthony Lamb #40 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after making a basket in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2022 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors headed into the season with an open roster spot, owing mostly to the financial implications amid a rising luxury tax bill. It was an undoubted risk though, particularly when six positions were taken by five unproven young players and veteran Andre Iguodala.

It’s certainly caused issues early this season, with bench struggles and rotation depth being key contributors to their disappointing 15-18 start. Part of the answer for head coach Steve Kerr — 24-year-old fourth-year player Anthony Lamb.

With strong form to start the season, is two-way contracted player Anthony Lamb firming to take the Golden State Warriors’ vacant 15th roster spot?

Given the slow start from the Warriors youngsters aside from the recent form of Jonathan Kuminga and a 30-point game from James Wiseman, it would be surprising if the franchise weren’t to utilize the 15th spot prior to playoff time. Lamb has now played exactly half of an eligible 50 games as a two-way player, and Bob Myers will soon face a decision on the future of the three-point shooting forward.

Anthony Lamb has proved a surprisingly important piece to the Golden State Warriors this season. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Anthony Lamb has proved a surprisingly important piece to the Golden State Warriors this season. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Complicating matters is allegations of sexual assault against Lamb from his time at the University of Vermont. A harrowing report came out earlier this month, and if the allegations are ever proven true in a court of law, then Lamb’s time at the Warriors and in the NBA will surely come to an end.

Golden State’s other two-way player, Ty Jerome, could also come into consideration given recent positive play in the absence of Stephen Curry. However, signing him as insurance for the two-time MVP seems counterproductive when the Warriors’ playoff hopes would be doomed without Curry anyway.

Lamb has done plenty to try and earn the spot, yet Myers might think he can find someone better in the buyout market. The issue with that is Lamb’s 50 game limit may actually end before someone else is acquired, assuming that his place as a regular rotation player remains between now and mid-February.

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Buyout candidates usually become available shortly after the trade deadline which falls on February 9. Ultimately, the Warriors’ 15th roster spot is far from a fait accompli and will come down to a variety of factors — how Lamb, Jerome and the team plays between now and February, who becomes available as a buyout candidate, and if management is actually willing to spend on that vacant spot.

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