Having played 23 games for the Golden State Warriors after getting drafted in 2022, Gui Santos is currently on national duty, representing Brazil in the Olympics. Following his draft in 2022, Santos represented the Dubs’ G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, in the 2022-23 season. With an average of over 12 points and 6 rebounds, the Warriors eventually gave him a spot on the main team.

Besides this, Gui Santos signed a 3-year, $5,143,017 contract with the Golden State Warriors, including $1,029,483 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $1,714,339 after getting drafted in 2022. In 2024-25, Santos will earn a base salary of $1,891,857, while carrying a cap hit of $1,891,857. Having signed an impressive deal with the Warriors in his rookie season, you might be wondering if he is any good. Well, let’s dive into his performance for the Dubs so far.

Santos made his debut for the Dubs in November 2023 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off the bench during the final minutes after the fate of the game had already been decided. He scored 2 points in that game, making his first-ever mark for the Golden State.

Even though he made it to the main team, he did not turn many heads until the Warriors faced the Brooklyn Nets. By scoring 9 points with 5 rebounds and a steal coming off the bench, the rookie had Steve Kerr praising him: “Gui Santos was amazing just getting on the floor for loose balls, getting offensive rebounds, generating extra possessions”. 

Gui also received props from his fellow teammate Brandin Podziemski following his outing against the Nets. “Without him, we probably lose, quite honestly… When he came in the second quarter, he gave us some life… I think that’s why the coach decided to rock with him and finish the game with him,” the star guard said.

After a decent 2023 season, averaging over 3 points with a shooting percentage over 50% and 37% from beyond the arc, Santos might become a regular rotation player for the Warriors, especially with Klay Thompson off the team.

Gui Santos in the Olympics

“Gui is an unbelievable person. He has shown in some short stints out there on the court with us what he’s capable of. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. He’s proud to represent his country,” Stephen Curry said during the 2024 All-Star week. Sure, the young buck had a decent season with the Warriors, but what about his Olympic journey? By averaging over 7 points and 2 steals in three games, Santos has maintained his playing level during his international duty as well.

With the Brazilians going against the mighty team USA next, the underdogs, along with Santos, will need to be at their best. Adding to this, his Dubs’ teammate, Draymond Green said, “It’s great to see the Brazilians get there. Love the Brazilians. Shout out to Gui Santos. Young fella playing for Brazil, representing his country. I love to see it. They stand no chance. They’ll lose by 35 to 40 points and Team USA will move on to the semifinals.”

Although Santos might not enjoy hearing Green’s words, he could use them as motivation to fuel the fire inside him and stand up for his country. Can Santos and the Brazilians pull off an upset against Team USA? What are your thoughts?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.