The Golden State Warriors‘ scouts have certainly done their homework, as their youth movement gets global attention. This time in the lineup, it’s the 22-year-old Brazilian forward, Gui Santos. After a notable debut in the NBA, Santos flew down to Paris on national duty, representing Brazil in the Olympics. After a shaky performance in the group stage, the team managed to find a berth in the knockout stage. With only three wins away from winning the gold medal, let’s find out more about the team’s promising forward.

Gui Santos made his debut for the Dubs in November 2023 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off the bench during the garbage minutes, and scoring 2 points. Even though he made his debut in the 2023-24 season, he missed his opportunity to make it much earlier. ESPN’s Jonathan Givovy stated that Santos couldn’t make an early entry into the league because of his youth and the scouting delays caused by the global pandemic.

Notably, Santos was one of the 13 players who was invited to the Nike Hoop Summit World Team which also featured Josh Giddey and Paolo Banchero. In fact, the Brazilian player had his paperwork set for the 2021 draft class, but unfortunately, he couldn’t make it. In the meantime, he played for the Brazilian club, Minas, competing in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Nevertheless, he again listed in the 2022 draft and the Warriors selected him with the No. 55th pick. Even then, he immediately didn’t get a call-up to represent the Bay Area team alongside Stephen Curry.

Gui Santos and his Warriors’ journey

Gui Santos represented the Dubs’ G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, for a season in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists and eventually earned his spot in the Warriors main team. While he played only garbage minutes off the bench, Santos first grabbed everyone’s attention during the Dubs’ fighting win against the Brooklyn Nets. The Brazilian star came off the bench and scored 9 points with 5 rebounds and a steal.

Impressed with the rising star’s energy and defensive ability on the court, Steve Kerr decided to give Santos a chance to close the game instead of Klay Thompson. Notably, the 4x champ had a off night, scoring 8 points with 0-3 FG from the perimeter. Speaking of his attempt, Kerr said, “Gui Santos was amazing just getting on the floor for loose balls, getting offensive rebounds, generating extra possessions,” after the game.

Apart from Kerr, the rookie sensation, Brandin Podziemski had something to say about Santos’ special outing. The star guard said, “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.” Moreover, he also received a shout-out from Stephen Curry after the game for his defensive ability.

Gui ended the season, averaging 3.6 points in his 23 appearances with an impressive shooting percentage of 50.9 from the field and 37% from the three-point line. With Klay Thompson off the team, Kerr might bring him up in the rotation. However, that’s what Podziemski believes. Speaking in an interviewer, Podz said, “Gui is great… He always comes to work with a smile on his face and wants to get better. Obviously he is a really good shooter,” as they geared for the next season.

Moreover, Steph also seemed confident of Gui’s sophomore year, as he said, “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,” during the 2024 All-Star week.

Gui Santos & Co’s upcoming mighty challenge against Team USA

While Stephen Curry hailed his Warriors teammate several months back, now he has to face him in a knockout game. After Team USA ended their group stage, finishing as the top seed, they are all set to lock horns with Brazil in the quarterfinals. In the three games, Santos has averaged 7.3 points and 2 steals in three outings. Notably, he also started a game for the South American side.

Since it’s a do-or-die game, the Brazilian team has to bring their full force to at least put up a decent show. Importantly, Team USA with likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards are in a dream run.

Moreover, speaking of the upcoming game, 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.” 

It isn’t something that a teammate would want to hear, but Gui Santos can stand for his team and prove Green wrong. Will Brazil produce a miracle? Let us know in the comments.

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