Warriors Ramp Up Roster with Two G League Stars
The Golden State Warriors have made a strategic move to bolster their roster, announcing the signing of forward Kevin Knox II and point guard Yuri Collins to 10-day contracts on Wednesday. This addition brings the team’s active roster to 14 players, providing much-needed depth as they prepare for the final 27 games of the 2024-25 NBA season. Both Knox and Collins have been standout performers in the NBA G League, and their recent success has earned them a shot at the highest level of professional basketball.
Kevin Knox II: A Proven Talent on the Rebound
Kevin Knox II, who will don the No. 31 jersey for the Warriors, has been a force to reckon with in the G League this season. He has started all 28 games for the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging an impressive 21.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. His dominance was recently recognized when he was named NBA G League Player of the Week for the period from December 27 to January 5. This achievement is a testament to his growth and determination, especially considering his performance during the NBA Summer League, where he caught the eye of the Warriors’ coaching staff. Knox, a 6-foot-7 athlete, was originally drafted No. 9 overall by the New York Knicks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Over six seasons, he has played in 306 career games (77 starts) with the Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 18.0 minutes per game. Despite his journey through multiple teams, Knox has maintained a positive outlook on his development.
Knox’s Perspective on the G League
In an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson before a Santa Cruz Warriors game on January 24, Knox spoke candidly about his time in the G League. He emphasized that his presence there is not a demotion but an opportunity to improve and learn within a structured system. "If I perform better and play better up top, I won’t be here," Knox said. "Being down here, I don’t really take it as a demotion or anything. I take it as you come down here to learn, and learn under a great system. Work on things you need to work on." This mentality has clearly paid off, as his recent performance and the Warriors’ decision to sign him highlight his readiness to contribute at the NBA level. With the Warriors aiming to secure a playoff spot, Knox’s versatility and experience could be valuable assets.
Yuri Collins: The Young Playmaker
Yuri Collins, a 23-year-old point guard, has also been making waves in the G League. He has appeared in 33 games (30 starts) for the Santa Cruz Warriors this season, posting averages of 14.2 points, 9.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 32.0 minutes per game. Collins leads the G League in assists with 189 through 18 regular-season games, showcasing his exceptional playmaking skills. Unselected in the 2023 NBA Draft, Collins spent four collegiate seasons at Saint Louis University (2019-2023) before joining the Santa Cruz Warriors for the past two seasons. His consistent performance and leadership on the court have not gone unnoticed, and this 10-day contract with the Warriors is a significant step in his professional career.
The Warriors’ Roster Adjustments
The Warriors have been proactive in adjusting their roster to meet the demands of the season. Following their trade deadline acquisition of Jimmy Butler and the subsequent deals that sent Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III to other teams, the Warriors converted two-way center Quinten Post to a standard contract. This move was necessary to meet the 12-player minimum requirement. The team’s flexibility with the 13th and 14th roster spots indicates that they are keeping their options open for further reinforcements. If the Warriors find additional players they like on the buyout market, they could make more moves to strengthen their lineup as the season progresses.
Preparing for the Playoff Push
With the addition of Knox and Collins, the Warriors are positioning themselves to make a strong push for the playoffs in the latter part of the season. Both players bring unique strengths to the team. Knox’s scoring ability and rebounding prowess can provide a spark off the bench, while Collins’s playmaking and court vision can help stabilize the point guard position. The Warriors have a history of developing and integrating G League talent, and these two signings showcase their commitment to finding the right fits to complement their core players. As the regular season winds down, the team will be closely monitoring the contributions of Knox and Collins, hoping to see the kind of performances that can help them secure a playoff berth.
Follow the Warriors’ Journey
Fans eager to stay updated on the Warriors’ journey and the performances of Knox and Collins can follow the Dubs Talk Podcast. This podcast provides in-depth analysis and the latest news on the team, offering insights that go beyond the headlines. For those in regions where the embedded content is not available, the podcast is a reliable source of information and discussion about the Warriors’ roster moves and their prospects for the remainder of the season. As the team prepares for the final stretch, the Dubs Talk Podcast will be a valuable resource for supporters looking to stay connected and informed.
