Before the NBA All-Star break, Quinten Post featured in all 55 games for the Golden State Warriors and started 32 of them. However, since the team acquired veteran center Kristaps Porzingis earlier this month, Post’s role in the rotation has vanished and likely will not return unless injuries arise. This shift became clear when Post was a DNP (Did Not Play) for the first time this season during a recent game against the Boston Celtics.
Impact of the Porzingis Acquisition on Post’s Position
The trade to bring Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State came as a startling surprise to fans, especially amid rumors swirling about a potential blockbuster trade involving Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Warriors prioritized pursuing Antetokounmpo, landing Porzingis became a valuable alternative after the Bucks remained firm on keeping their two-time MVP.
To make room for Porzingis, Golden State traded away Jonathan Kuminga, the team’s most athletic forward, which left them somewhat thin at the forward position following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury in January. Originally, expectations were that any trade involving Kuminga would seek a similar forward, but Post’s struggles to secure his role as a dependable starting center created an additional gap for the franchise to address.
Performance Factors Affecting Post’s Standing
At 25 years old and standing seven feet tall, Post has developed into a more robust presence inside the paint, showing an improved ability to contest shots at the rim. Yet, his perimeter shooting — once a reliable part of his game during his rookie campaign — has declined notably, dropping from 40.8% to 35% from three-point range this season.
With Golden State favoring veteran Al Horford in a bench role and still relying on Draymond Green’s small-ball versatility despite it being less than ideal, the team’s front office found it necessary to pursue Porzingis to solidify the roster. As Porzingis made his debut for the Warriors recently and is expected to see his minutes increase, Post’s chances of reclaiming a rotation spot this season appear extremely slim with Porzingis, Horford, and Green all in the lineup.
Limited Opportunities for Post Moving Forward This Season
Even though some games down the stretch may require adjustments due to health or strategy, Post will need exceptional performances to work back into the rotation when Golden State’s key players are available. Additionally, Post does not provide a unique skill set compared to Porzingis and Horford, as all three are stretch big men whose main value lies in spacing the floor. The difference is that Porzingis and Horford offer greater experience and effectiveness in various other aspects of the game.
Future Prospects for Post on the Warriors
Porzingis is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and Horford holds a player option, which could open opportunities for Post moving forward. This current scenario might only represent a temporary setback, and Post could potentially reestablish himself as a valuable part of Golden State’s rotation in the following season and beyond.
“As much as the Porzingis trade came out of nowhere as a bombshell for fans — particularly with all the focus surrounding a blockbuster deal for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo — acquiring the Latvian big man wasn’t just some random move.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“While the Warriors may have had Antetokounmpo as their priority, Porzingis clearly emerged as a desirable backup plan which came to fruition once the Bucks proved unwilling to trade their 2x MVP.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“In completing the trade, Golden State moved their most athletic player in Jonathan Kuminga, leaving them somewhat short on forward options given Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending torn ACL in January.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“It had long been assumed that any Kuminga trade would be for another similarly-sized forward type, but Post’s inability to solidify himself as a starting-quality center left the Warriors with another hole to fill.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“With the former All-Star making his debut for the Warriors on Thursday and with his minutes only going up from here, it’s almost impossible to see Post returning to a rotation role this season when Porzingis, Horford and Green are available.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“Of course, there will be games over the remainder of the regular season where that’s not the case, but even in those it feels like Post will have to do something spectacular to regain a role when Golden State are healthy.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“It’s not as if Post provides a point of difference either. He, Porzingis and Horford are all stretch bigs whose primary value is their ability to stretch the floor, it’s just that the latter two are better in other aspects and are far more experienced and proven to go with it.” ?Anonymous Analyst
“With Porzingis set to be an unrestricted free agent and Horford holding a player option, perhaps this is just a short-term outcome and Post develops into a rotational player again for the Warriors next season and beyond.” ?Anonymous Analyst
