Mike Dunleavy Jr. spoke about two young Golden State Warriors players who impressed him massively this season.
The Golden State Warriors‘ season came to an end this past week, as the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated them from the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Several players have spoken in the aftermath of the exit, as the Warriors conduct exit interviews. Draymond Green promised that he, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler would compete for a championship once again.
While Steve Kerr remained critical of some of his younger players like Brandin Podziemski. Overall, despite the elimination, the Warriors feel optimistic about their future.
In fact, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. was impressed with two young stars, including one rookie who really stepped up for them.
Photo by Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Mike Dunleavy Jr. praises Quinten Post
Speaking in his exit press conference, Mike Dunleavy Jr. took some time to praise several young players on the Warriors roster.
Specifically, he mentioned Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post for the way they played well beyond their years.
“I thought Trayce had, he had an interesting season. He started off, he was our starting center, he did some pretty good stuff. He was out of the rotation after the trade, and bounced back and did some really good things in the playoffs. He’s a good, solid player, fits in a lot of ways.”
“Quinten, incredible rookie year for a guy drafted second round. We intended for him to be in the G-League most of the year, and he came right up and chipped in in a major way.”
“His floor-stretching ability, his size, those things are important. I feel like we know those guys can complement who we have, and we’ll look for ways to make the position better. We’re happy with having those two young players.”
Golden State Warriors have young core to use for moves
With this young core, the Warriors have a few assets they can use to make some moves in the offseason. While a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo is unlikely, they can definitely make some useful moves.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. might be shrewd in trying to vocalize how much he values these young players, as he might be looking to extract as much value for them as possible before the offseason.
Making trades this summer is going to be difficult. But the Warriors changed their entire season with the Jimmy Butler trade.
The players have done their part. Now, Dunleavy Jr. and the front office must build a strong roster for next season.