Many supporters expected the Golden State Warriors to be active in the buyout market after completing a trade deadline deal for Gary Payton II in the hopes that the team would use their 15th and final roster spot. Yet, a number of suspected Warriors buyout candidates have lately signed with new teams, leaving very few realistic choices.
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The chances that the Warriors would sign someone in the buyout market were always going to be slim. That being said, the most likely scenario for the final roster spot would be the team elevating either one of their two-way players between Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome.
Both players have surpassed the expectations of their two-way roles this season. Specifically, Lamb and Jerome have each provided valuable minutes whenever injuries have hit Golden State the hardest this season and have looked solid when given the opportunity. In 43 games played this season, Lamb is averaging 7.2 points and 3.2 rebounds on 40.0% shooting from three, while Jerome – in 36 games played – is averaging 7.2 points and 2.9 assists with a 51.3% field goal percentage.
However, with 24 regular season games remaining, the Warriors will be forced into making a decision soon. NBA rules state that players on two-way contracts are only allowed to appear in 50 games before a team must decide whether to elevate that player or waive them from their roster. This means Golden State will be forced into choosing between the two for their final roster spot unless they decide to open an additional one by waiving another player. In his latest article for the San Francisco Chronicle, C.J. Holmes dives deeper on the topic, making the case for keeping each player.
Source: https://www.goldenstateofmind.com
