Another health issue for Kristaps Porzingis is undoubtedly a major issue for the Golden State Warriors, but some players do stand to benefit if the veteran center is to miss opening night against the Los Angeles Lakers later in the month.
Perhaps the biggest winner will be young forward Gui Santos who could work his way back in to the opening night starting lineup, having seemed to be on the outer were Porzingis available through training camp and preseason to date.
Gui Santos is already winner from Kristaps Porzingis health concern
Despite starting 29 of Golden State's final 31 games last season, including the two Play-In Tournament appearances, and despite undeniably being the biggest positive from a disappointing end to the season for the team, Santos was left out of the starting lineup for Sunday’s preseason opener against the LA Clippers.
Steve Kerr wanted to retain size and a genuine center in the lineup by starting Al Horford, but acknowledged prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers that starting a 40-year-old was going to be difficult as the Warriors look to manage his minutes.
It left the Warriors starting small on Tuesday night against the Lakers, with Santos back in the lineup alongside Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green in the frontcourt. Santos himself wasn’t necessarily spectacular, recording seven points and playing more of a complementary role in his 20 minutes.
More importantly though, the Warriors looked far more explosive than what they had on Sunday against the Clippers. Granted it was against an incredibly shorthanded Lakers team playing without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, but Golden State were nevertheless able to get out and run and play with far greater pace, resulting in a powerful 45-point first-quarter and 81 points by halftime.
Gui Santos will only start if Warriors go small
The reality is that while the Warriors are still incredibly high on Santos after his finish to last season, the Brazilian forward will have to take somewhat of a backseat role behind Lendeborg who has already come even better than advertised after Golden State took him 11th overall in June‘s NBA draft.
With Lendeborg already securing one forward position and with Kerr retaining trust in Green and his chemistry with Stephen Curry, the only path for Santos and a starting role is if Golden State goes small and start all three forwards together.
That’s why Santos, as much as he would like his veteran teammate back on the floor, is clearly the biggest winner from any time Porzingis misses as the season progresses.
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