The Golden State Warriors is a team known for giving upcoming athletes a chance to prove their worth. Due to this, they have open trials for players to come and try their luck. Even a player like Stephen Curry, who is one of the best shooters in the world, was picked 7th during his draft season. Even though he had amazing college basketball stats, players like Blake Griffin and James Harden were picked before him.
Similarly, there is a player who was uncertain about his Warriors tryout but managed to make it to the team. He even landed a 6-figure deal by proving his worth. Due to his determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in his abilities, he turned out to be a valuable asset for the Warriors. But who is this player?
Warriors stumble across a new talent
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The player who helped the Warriors win the 2022 championship was Juan Toscano-Anderson. He was even the first Mexican to participate in the slam dunk contest. But Toscano-Anderson had walked an unusual route before this key occasion. He moved to Mexico after going undrafted in 2015 and became a star in the country?s professional basketball league. He won multiple titles and earned the MVP award. But a phone call from his buddy with Warriors ties, Jabari Brown, changed Toscano-Anderson?s plans. He chose to put his abilities to the test during an open trial, eventually securing a spot at the Warriors? G League training camp.
Despite facing great competition, Toscano-Anderson?s dedication to team play and diversified skill set drew the attention of Warriors decision-makers. Despite early doubts, he received a training camp invitation and a ray of hope for his NBA dreams. He accepted each challenge, from competing for a roster place to rising from the bench to starting duties. He even gave up a 6-figure income and his Mexican stardom to pursue his goal of playing in the NBA.
Read More: Warriors? Juan Toscano-Anderson Explains How Steph Curry and Draymond Green Stand Out as Leaders
Fast ahead to February 6th, a date that represented a watershed moment in Toscano-Anderson?s career. Despite trade deadlines and roster limits, the Warriors saw his talent and devotion and signed him for the rest of the season. From shaky tryouts to gaining a place on the NBA?s biggest platform, his path had gone full circle. He later was let go of from the Warriors and joined the Lakers. And now, as his contract has ended, he is a free agent again and might make a return to the Warriors. The fans really like Toscano-Anderson and recently a fan spotted him at a small sandwich shop and only had praises for him.
A fan stumbles upon Toscano-Anderson
A fan took it to Reddit to write about his encounter with the ex-warriors player. He said that he was super polite to all the staff members. Although people did not recognize him, this fan did and apparently he was with some kids and his girlfriend. This fan even said that he wanted to approach the NBA star but did not as he was eating.
To this, a person commented, ?Leaving people alone is the right move. Nice choice.?
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Another fan spoke about his encounter with Toscano-Anderson and wrote, ?Seen him at the gym in Walnut Creek every day last week too – super chill nice guy.?
One fan spoke about why he must have spotted Toscano-Anderson and said, ?JTA loves the bay.? To which the fan who spotted him replied, ?The bay loves JTA <3.?
Another fan appreciated the fan for leaving the star alone. He wrote, ?Yeah good rule of thumb is to leave celebs alone when they are with kids. Can be distracting if they are watching them.?
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With all the fans showing love to Toscano-Anderson, everyone is speculating if he might make a comeback to the Warriors. What do you think? Will Toscano-Anderson come back to the Warriors and win another ring? Let us know in the comments below.
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