The Golden State Warriors have officially released their training camp roster. They also have signed five players to training camp deals: Rodney McGruder, Rudy Gay, Javan Johnson, Donovan Williams and Kendric Davis. These players will have a chance to compete for the fourteenth roster spot. Additionally, two-way players Usman Garuba, Lester Quinones and newly signed Jerome Robinson will have a chance to compete for a standard roster spot as well.
Two roster spots remain for the Golden State Warriors, and it is important that they sign the right players. The Warriors would like to keep one of those open to possibly sign a veteran frontcourt player later on. One of those roster spots will likely be filled by McGruder, Gay or Robinson, but the Warriors will get a look at many different players.
Rodney McGruder
McGruder is a seven-year NBA veteran with a little bit of playoff experience. He’s a consummate pro who has spent the past few seasons mentoring the Detroit Pistons’ younger players.
He hasn’t received much playing time, but he’s been very effective in his limited minutes. He’s shot 45.8 percent, 39.7 percent, and 42.3 percent on 3-pointers during his past three seasons with the Pistons.
McGruder is also a solid defender who is multi-positional. He can play the three spot in smallball lineups with his abilities to guard and shoot. His size at the guard position also allows him to guard forwards, a versatile trait much needed on the Warriors.
He’ll have a prime opportunity to earn a roster spot with the Warriors if he can continue making 3-pointers and showing versatility on defense.
Rudy Gay
Coming off an underwhelming 2023 campaign, Gay is looking to bounce back for his eighteenth NBA season. He only shot 25 percent on 3-pointers last season, but Gay has been a decent 3-point shooter over the past four-to-five years.
Gay is a productive veteran with playoff experience and can function as a three-and-D forward. If signed, he’d likely fill an Otto Porter-type role on the Warriors.
He may have the best chance of securing a roster spot with his veteran experience and positional versatility. Gay is a 6-foot-8 forward, which is a position the Warriors could use some more depth in.
Jerome Robinson
Robinson has been on the Warriors’ training camp roster before and has been playing on their G-League affiliate for the past two years. The Warriors have reportedly been fond of “how good of a teammate and leader [Robinson] is.” This should bode well for Robinson, who has previously played for the Clippers and Wizards.
The former lottery pick also has a valuable skillset worth noting. He’s a 6-foot-6 guard who can create his own shot. His 3-point shooting and defense will be the main sources of intrigue for Warriors coaches this preseason.
With Robinson’s thorough familiarity and reputation within the Warriors organization, he may have an advantage over McGruder and Gay.
Where do Johnson, Williams and Davis Fit In?
Johnson and Williams are the relatively unknown players heading into the Warriors training camp. The Warriors actually signed Johnson shortly after the 2023 NBA Draft, but his contract type was unknown at the time. Moreover, Williams was signed just a few weeks ago. Additionally, Davis was the starting point guard for the Warriors’ 2023 summer league team.
Davis is a solid point guard, but it’s unlikely he’d be signed since Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Cory Joseph have the point guard position solidified. Johnson and Williams have upside as lengthy, versatile wings. They both can play multiple positions and are on the younger side.
Johnson and Williams may ultimately get spots on the Warriors’ G-League affiliate, but their youth and versatility will surely give them a chance on the main roster. Their lack of NBA experience may ultimately play a factor if one (or both) of them aren’t signed.
McGruder, Gay and Robinson have ample NBA experience that puts them over the edge of Johnson and Williams at the moment. However, training camp and preseason presents unique opportunities, so maybe Johnson and Williams will break through and prove their value.
Either way, the Warriors have five (or eight with the two-way players) intriguing candidates for their fourteenth roster spot. They can’t really go wrong with anybody they choose.
Gay could be the chosen candidate with his veteran experience, but it’s still relatively unclear who the Warriors plan to sign once the 2024 season begins.
Make sure to follow The Game Haus on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest sports and esports news.
Stay tuned for more weekly NBA coverage of all your favorite teams!
“From Our Haus to Yours”
Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com.