Charles Bassey has never quite found a solid footing in the NBA, proven by the fact the Golden State Warriors big man has never played more than 36 games in any of his five seasons to date.
The Warriors could change that this season after signing the 25-year-old to a one-year, minimum contract in free agency, unlocking an opportunity for Bassey to not just play more than half a season, but have a year-long role on a veteran team still looking to make the playoffs.
Warriors can unlock Charles Bassey milestone he's never reached
Bassey has played 126 career games in five years, including 13 last season across four different teams -- the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and the Warriors. It's now or never for the former second-pick -- if he doesn't play 50 or even 60 games this season, his NBA career might be over for good after sporadic exits and returns to the league over the past 12 months.
Fortunately, Golden State have put Bassey in position to make an impact and play more than half a season for the first time in his career. The Warriors have only guaranteed half of his $2.8 million salary, but they're too close to the second apron to be able to waive Bassey, take the cap hit, and sign an alternative player to the roster.
That gives Bassey some security knowing he'll be on the opening night roster, rather than having the pressure of needing to perform in training camp and preseason. Make no mistake, he'll still need to do that as he pushes for a legitimate role in the rotation.
Yet at the same time, Bassey will assuredly fall into playing time by virtue of the two centers ahead of him. Kristaps Porzingis played in a combined 32 games last season and hasn't played more than 65 games in a year for a decade. Al Horford is 40-years-old, doesn't play in back-to-backs, and will be on a 20-22 minute per game restriction. This in itself presents Bassey with an obvious path to playing time.
Charles Bassey can give Warriors a completely different dimension
Bassey will undoubtedly be wanting to earn rotation opportunity in his own right, rather than necessarily rely on the inevitable nights where Porzingis and/or Horford are out. The positive for him is that his playstyle is unique on the Golden State roster, offering another avenue to legitimate playing time.
The Warriors don't really have another legitimate paint presence. Bassey averaged 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in only 20 minutes per game in his five appearances with the Warriors to end last season, proving a productive and impactful two-way interior center the team has lacked in recent years.
Was Bassey's promising end to last season just a flash in the pan? We're about to find out which is an underrated and exciting element for fans as the the season draws near.
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