Warriors Updates: Santos’ Expanded Duties, Curry Injury Timeline, Horford Fit, Playoff Math
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San Francisco — Forward Gui Santos has taken on extra ball-handling responsibilities for the Golden State Warriors and is seeing immediate rewards. Over his past five games, the recently extended second-round pick is averaging 4.6 assists, a jump he credits to the freedom coaches have granted him on the floor.
“I love to be on an NBA floor, but when you have a little more freedom to find teammates or attack the basket, it gives you more joy,” Santos said. He added that his duties will shift again once Stephen Curry returns from injury.
The 22-year-old, who signed a three-year extension earlier this week, hopes his path inspires other Brazilian players. “I’m the only one here, so everybody is looking at me as an example,” he said, emphasizing work ethic as the key to his rise.
Head coach Steve Kerr called Santos “an incredible development story,” noting the forward spent his rookie season with G League Santa Cruz before carving out a major role in Golden State. Curry echoed the praise, saying Santos has become “an impactful player on both ends” and earned his new deal.
Curry out at least five more games
The Warriors confirmed Thursday that Curry will miss a minimum of five additional games as he manages a lingering left knee issue. With Golden State 4.5 games behind the sixth-place Lakers and 22 contests remaining, team staffers have debated holding the two-time MVP out until the play-in tournament.
“It’s just something you don’t want lingering because it can get worse,” Curry said regarding the injury.
Horford adjusting to new system
Veteran center Al Horford left Boston in the offseason expecting a deep postseason run with Golden State. Instead, the Celtics have surged while the Warriors hover around the play-in range, forcing Horford to adapt to a different offensive scheme.
“In Boston, we ran a lot of pick-and-rolls and isolations before moving the ball,” Horford explained. “Here, we get it to Draymond in the post, play on the perimeter, run splits and cut. When Steph is on the court, it all ties together, but there’s a lot of off-ball movement.”
Kerr realistic about playoff position
Asked about overtaking the Lakers for an automatic playoff berth, Kerr was blunt. “It’s a lot to make up with 22 games left,” he said. “We don’t even talk about it. We just have to try to go out and win and see what happens.”
The Warriors enter the stretch run balancing player health with postseason hopes, while young contributors such as Santos continue to seize expanded roles.
Source: Hoops Rumors
