Injury-Hit Warriors Rely on Gui Santos as Restricted Free Agency Looms
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Golden State’s playoff push absorbed a major setback when Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL, an injury that immediately dimmed hopes for a deep postseason run.
Key figures around the organization—star guard Stephen Curry, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., head coach Steve Kerr and owner Joe Lacob—have all voiced guarded optimism about finishing the season, while acknowledging that expectations must be tempered without Butler.
Butler’s game is regarded as rare in today’s three-point-heavy NBA: he scores efficiently inside the arc, draws frequent fouls, makes high-IQ plays on both ends, limits turnovers and rarely attempts threes. Replacing that blend of competitiveness, skill, athleticism and size will be difficult.
The outlook became even murkier when Curry injured his knee. Golden State is 23-16 in games the two-time MVP has played this season, but only 7-12 without its leading scorer.
Those injuries have opened minutes for lesser-known contributors. One standout has been 21-year-old forward Gui Santos, who has moved into the rotation and is set to hit the market as a restricted free agent this summer.
With Butler sidelined and Curry’s status uncertain, Santos’ continued development could be critical to the Warriors’ short-term fortunes and his own future contract prospects.
Source: Hoops Rumors
