The Golden State Warriors can finally say that they have responded to the critics as they have signed Quinten Post. Arguably, the 21st century’s most successful franchise always had the size disadvantage. Despite having world-class shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the pundits always criticized them for not having a traditional center. However, the team under Mike Dunleavy, the new GM, drafted two centers back-to-back in two years.
Last season, the Warriors drafted 6’9″ Trayce Jackson-Davis in the 57th overall pick. He became an instant success, averaging 7.9 points and 5 rebounds in regular rotation. This year, Dunleavy doubled it down with a 7-foot Quinten Post in the 52nd overall pick. The 24-year-old star has quite a resume before entering the draft. Post has six seasons of college experience, playing two years in the SEC with Mississippi State and 3 years in the ACC with Boston College.
This isn’t it. He also holds international experience. Born and brought up in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Post started playing in his hometown. He went on to win the Dutch National U-18 championship in 2017-18. Following that, he joined the Alba Berlin Youth Club in Germany for the 2018-19 season before he flew to the States. The rising star spent his first two seasons at Mississippi State as a rotational player with a highlighting performance in his sophomore year, averaging 8.7 minutes per game.
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The Warriors traded cash to reacquire the 52nd pick and drafted Quinten Post, per source. That officially hard caps the Warriors at the second apron. They are now unable to go over it this season (which was the plan regardless).
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 27, 2024
However, Post grabbed the attention of the hoops nation after his transfer to Boston College. In his senior year, he was named ACC Most Improved Player having registered 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Apart from that, he also gained the ACC All-Second Team and ACC All-Defensive Team honors. Apart from being a traditional center, the scouts also marked his active presence from the deep and at the defensive end. Moreover, Post’s playing style was compared to Brook Lopez and reigning NBA Champion Al Horford.
Mike Dunleavy defends Quinten Post in front of the press
The Dubs didn’t go in the usual route to draft Quinten Post. Initially, they traded the 52nd pick to the OKC Thunder for Lindy Waters III. While it seemed like the Dubs would go home without having a say in the Draft, they again brought back the pick for cash. And, in turn, it hard-capped their salary at $189.5 million. Nevertheless, the team landed a much-awaited big man.
The age of the players getting drafted played a huge role on the big day. Notably, the experts calling the game were surprised to see none of the team going after the 23-year-old Dalton Knecht. Until the Lakers picked him at the 17th pick. The pundits even pointed out his age for the delayed selection. On the other end, the Dubs only drafted the 24-year-old Quinten Post, who is 7’2.5″ tall with the kicks on, in the 52nd pick. Zack Eddey and Donovan Clinger, who were only two players taller than Post, took the prize within the top 10 picks.
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Addressing this issue, a reporter asked Mike Dunleavy about the Warriors’ draft despite the age disadvantage. The GM responded, “We’re not sitting here just trying to draft older dudes. We’re trying to draft guys that are essentially good basketball players.”
Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
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