Golden State Warriors: 50-50 rotation battle turns one-sided during preseason

For much of the offseason, Golden State Warriors fans were left yearning for another big man to be added to a size-stricken roster. With nothing materializing in regard to a standard contract, they were left with an intriguing piece in Usman Garuba on a two-way deal.

Entering training camp and preseason, there were a clear top three in the Warriors’ center rotation — veterans Kevon Looney, Draymond Green and Dario Saric. That left Garuba and rookie Trayce Jackson Davis in a battle for potential spot minutes, one that initially appeared like a 50-50 contest.

An impressive preseason for Golden State Warriors rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis has left Usman Garuba without meaningful opportunity.

A former first-round pick in 2021, Garuba had the benefit of 99 career NBA games. Jackson-Davis, on the other hand, is two years older having played four years of college ball at Indiana. It appears that has held him in good stead to have an impact at the Warriors, at least compared to Garuba given the contrasting opportunities each have received.

With Looney joining Green on the sidelines for Wednesday’s fourth preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, the present gulf between Jackson-Davis and Garuba became even more apparent.

The former was elevated into his first start for the franchise, impressing with his defensive versatility and offensive threat around the rim. Jackson-Davis finished with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double, giving Domantas Sabonis all he could handle in limiting the All-Star to 12 points on 4-10 shooting.

Meanwhile, Garuba was stapled to the bench in a game where Steve Kerr went only 10 deep in the rotation. It was the second DNP for the 21-year-old in four games, having played less than 10 minutes total during the postseason.

Garuba’s lack of opportunity has been somewhat of a surprise, particularly when Kerr spoke so glowingly of him last week. Given the nature of his first two seasons in Houston compared to the championship-aspiring landscape of Golden State, perhaps it’s understandable that the transition will take some time.

That shouldn’t be taking anything away from Jackson-Davis whose impact has undoubtedly influenced Garuba’s opportunity. The 23-year-old has now played over 70 minutes of game time, seemingly getting better and more accustomed to the level with the more experience he receives.

With Green set to be on a heavy minutes restriction, Jackson-Davis may have well worked his way into a rotation role early in the season. For Garuba, expect him to spend plenty of time in Santa Cruz alongside fellow two-way players Lester Quinones and Jerome Robinson.