The Center Spot Next to Draymond Is Still Open
Golden State closed the preseason 4-2 over Portland, but Steve Kerr's search for a center to pair with Draymond Green is no closer to settled.
The Warriors trailed by 11 before a reserve-led run turned the finale into a 128-118 win, Stephen Curry closing with 20 points after a cold start. Kerr auditioned both Charles Bassey and Gui Santos at center next to Green and said afterward he wants another look before games count.
Bassey started, Santos finished
Bassey opened at center beside Green, alongside Curry, Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg. Georges Niang scored 13 points in five first-quarter minutes, and Dalton Johnson reported the reserves outscored Portland's bench 26-2 in that frame alone. By the second half, Santos had taken Bassey's spot in the starting group, and Kerr told reporters afterward he still wants another look at a true center next to Green.
Curry's night in two halves
Curry was 3-for-11 and 1-for-5 from three at halftime before finishing 7-for-19 for 20 points, four rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes, plus-17. Green matched him with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists and a plus-18, and both sat for the fourth quarter — finale minutes, not audition minutes.
Five days to decide
The win closes the preseason at 4-2 and avenges an October 7 loss to this same Portland team. It settles nothing at center: Porzingis remains out with the health issue first reported September 28 and still has no return date, leaving Kerr to pick between Bassey and Santos before the regular season opens October 21 at the Lakers.
Who's starting at center for the Warriors?
Charles Bassey opened the preseason finale next to Draymond Green, but Gui Santos started the second half in his place, and Steve Kerr said after the game he wants another look before the regular season begins.
When do the Warriors play their regular-season opener?
Golden State opens the regular season October 21 at the Lakers, five days after closing the preseason 4-2 with a win over Portland.
