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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a play in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on February 22, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors are battling a critical roster decision ahead of Wednesday’s play-in game.

While their opponent will be officially confirmed after the conclusion of the final regular-season game, there is an air of uncertainty about whether that play-in game will be their last for the season or a step to the playoff level. 

Locked in the No. 10 seed, injuries haven’t been kind to Golden State this year and it has thinned their roster heading into the decisive stretch. 

Jimmy Butler has been hurt since January and is out for the season, so he is not going to be available. Moses Moody, who was having a career year, is sidelined indefinitely and Quinten Post is dealing with a foot issue. 

Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford are available but their health has always remained questionable throughout the season. 

Stephen Curry just returned and the Warriors’ depth consists of him, Porzingis, Draymond Green, who is listed as day-to-day, Brandon Podziemski and Gui Santos at the front. 

Then adding De’Anthony Melton, Horford, Gary Payton II, Will Richard and Seth Curry, their depth will need another player, especially with Post’s return uncertain. 

Golden State Warriors Battle Roster Selection For 15th Spot

The players who are currently on two-way contracts — Nate Williams, L.J. Cryer, Malevy Leons — are ineligible for the postseason unless they are converted to standard NBA deals. 

However, only one of them can make the cut at the moment. 

Charles Bassey currently holds that final standard-contract spot but can be released to make room.

Bassey is 6-foot-10 and joined in April after a stint for the Santa Cruz Warriors. He has only played four games for Golden State, however, he is among the top five in points per game for current healthy players and leads in rebounds in that same category. 

Williams is a 6-foot-5 and has defensive versatility and improved shooting. He is shooting 44.4% from three this season, which is a career-high mark. 

Cryer is only 6-foot, the shortest of the list, but the guard has produced a scoring punch off the bench this season. However, he is out with an ankle sprain and will be evaluated just after the play-in game. 

The Warriors also have an abundance of guards, so it reduces the urgency for another small guard. 

Leons is 6-foot-9 and offers intriguing versatility as a small-ball center or forward. Ultimately, the Warriors have to consider the best fit for the play-in and if they make it past that stage, the playoffs. 

Looking Ahead to the Play-In

The Dubs are not in the most favorable play-in spot. From where they stand, they will need to win two single-elimination games before they earn a playoff spot proper. 

The first of those games will be on the road, and the Warriors are 2-6 in their last eight games away from Chase Center. Both wins were against the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, two underperforming teams this season.

Converting a two-way contract uses one of the team’s limited standard spots but unlocks postseason eligibility. A player in a two-way contract is limited to some regular-season games, but when that gets upgraded for the postseason, there are no limits. 

Head coach Steve Kerr and the front office must look at a short-term solution while also planning for the long term.   

Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad

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