4 Players to watch for as Golden State Warriors prepare for Summer League opener

The Golden State Warriors kick off their NBA Summer League in the California Classic on Monday night, taking on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center from 7pm Pacific Time.

The occasion will present the first opportunity to see a couple of exciting young players in a Warrior uniform, while for others it’s a chance to impress the coaching staff and front office in the hopes of further opportunities heading into next season.

The NBA Summer League will provide an important first litmus test for a couple of the Golden State Warriors’ newest players.

Monday’s game against the Kings will begin a two-game stint in the California Classic before the Warriors head to Las Vegas for at least four further games. With that in mind, let’s have a look at four players to watch out for on Monday night and throughout the upcoming Summer League schedule.

1. Brandin Podziemski

The 19th overall pick in last month’s NBA Draft, all eyes will be focused on what sort of impact Brandin Podziemski can have in his first outings in a Warrior uniform. Having averaged 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists for Santa Clara during his sophomore season, Podziemski clearly has the capacity to stuff the stat sheet in all areas. It’s something he’s been open about, declaring himself a ‘triple-double guy in the NBA’ within a few seasons.

There’s speculation right now on what kind of impact the 20-year-old can have in his rookie season with the Warriors, and one suspects we’ll learn more about his prospects over the coming fortnight.

2. Trayce Jackson-Davis

Golden State’s second pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Trayce Jackson-Davis will look to prove his doubters wrong starting with an important Summer League hitout. The 23-year-old has finished up a full four years at Indiana, averaging 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, four assists, and 2.9 blocks during the 2022-23 collegiate season.

While there’s certainly no overarching pressure on Jackson-Davis, the fact of the matter is that at his age, time simply isn’t on his side like some 19 or 20-year-olds. Expect to see the 6’10” power-forward/center be one of the Warriors’ better player during Summer League.

3. Lester Quinones

Golden State tended a two-way qualifying offer to Lester Quinones last week, confirming their intention to retain him heading into next season. First of all he needs a strong Summer League campaign, one in which the combo guard should get ample opportunity with the ball in his hands.

The 22-year-old was in strong form for Santa Cruz late in the G League season, ultimately averaging 21.8 points, seven rebounds and 4.8 assists in 31 games. Look for Quinones to produce similar performances over this six-game stretch.

4. Gui Santos

A forgotten man at times, Brazilian Gui Santos was a draft-and-stash selection for the Warriors with the 55th pick in last year’s draft. The 21-year-old showed promising signs in the G League this season, averaging 12.7 points, six rebounds and 2.2 assists on an efficient 50% from the floor in 26 games.

A 6’7″ forward, Santos could develop into the prototypical two-way forward that Golden State is craving further down the line. A strong Summer League showing and he may put himself in line for a two-way spot with the main squad next season.