The Golden State Warriors made waves on February 7, 2025, by promoting rookie center Quinten Post from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. This is more than just paperwork; it marks the team’s commitment to him as they gear up for the remainder of the season and the impending play-in tournament.
Post, selected as the 52nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has already made quite the impression. Over his 13 games with the Warriors, he's averaged 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, showing flashes of what he can contribute. Notably, he registered his career-high 20 points along with five rebounds during a game against the Chicago Bulls on January 23. That's quite the debut, isn't it?
Before joining the NBA squad, Post was honing his skills with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the G League affiliate, where he posted impressive averages of 18.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game across 17 games. During this time, he also had two notable 30-point performances, exemplifying his potential as both a scorer and rebounder.
His contract upgrade came at a pivotal time for the Warriors. After trading key players such as Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schröder for star Jimmy Butler, the roster needed bolstering. By converting Post's contract, the Warriors not only secured their new center but also ensured roster compliance — they needed to maintain at least 14 players on standard contracts, and Post's conversion remedies part of this requirement.
Quinten Post has seamlessly integrated himself as the starting center, taking over his role just nine games after debuting. Over the last five games leading to the trade announcement, he averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds, showing he can contribute meaningfully on both ends of the court. His unique skill set — particularly impressive for someone standing at 7 feet tall — includes shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc, making him not just a physical presence but also a genuine threat from the three-point line.
Post himself expressed gradual adaptation to the NBA's fast-paced environment, acknowledging the learning curve he has faced since taking on more responsibilities. “It’s been a learning curve with ups and downs the last couple weeks, but I feel like I’m learning so much. Every game is a different challenge,” he shared with reporters. This perspective reflects the earnestness with which he approaches the NBA's demanding atmosphere.
This contract conversion also opens up strategic avenues for the Warriors, as they aim to leverage both Post's abilities and the constraints of their roster. The Warriors now have two available roster spots, which they could use for additional players as they explore the buyout market. Potential candidates who could fit this mold are sought-after names such as Malcolm Brogdon and Kelly Olynyk, who could bolster their playoff aspirations.
Post’s agility and shooting ability bring versatility to the Warriors' lineup, especially with the arrival of Butler, who joins with less perimeter proficiency. With Post on the court, defenders cannot collapse too tightly on others, allowing the offense more space to operate. The Warriors' tactical adaptations will be interesting to observe as both Butler makes his debut and Post consolidates his standing within the team.
The Warriors are committed to making the most of their current roster and prime their lineup for peak playoff performance. With current salary cap constraints and the looming contracts of stars like Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, Post's continued growth is likely to be examined closely against the backdrop of the franchise’s long-term goals.
By converting Quinten Post's contract, the Warriors aim to not only shore up their immediate needs for the remainder of the season but also lay the groundwork for future seasons. With the playing window beginning to close for some of their older stars, there’s urgency for success now. Can Post emerge as a key figure as they pursue yet another championship run? Only time will tell, but the faith shown in him through this contract speaks volumes about the franchise's vision.