Gui Santos: The Warriors’ Rising Star Poised for a Breakout
Former NBA 3-Point Contest winner Tim Legler believes Golden State Warriors guard Gui Santos possesses all the necessary tools to evolve into a long-term starter. Legler’s assessment comes on the heels of Santos’ impressive performance against the LA Clippers in the first play-in game, where the Brazilian showcased a skillset that suggests a very promising future.
“He can handle it, pass, shoot. He’s athletic,” Legler remarked on the “All-NBA Podcast,” as reported by X account Chef. “He defends with a conscience. He’s always smiling, like he’s just one of those guys you kind of pull for, and it’s gone from that to like ‘Okay, this is a really cool story. They got guys out and now he’s got a chance and he has jumped on it.’”
From G League to NBA Impact
Santos, drafted by the Warriors in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft, has steadily developed into a valuable rotational player after honing his skills in the G League. His journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication.
Legler highlighted the emotional depth of Santos’ story, recalling a feature where Santos shared the moment he informed his parents about receiving a guaranteed contract. “The tears on the phone, just taking us through that, just an incredible human side to it, but forget all that, man, the guy can play. Now I’m watching this guy and I’m going ‘Gui Santos is a PLAYER’. He’s a legitimate player to play heavy rotational minutes for a good team,” Legler added.
Seizing the Opportunity
Santos’ opportunity arose due to injuries to key Warriors players, and he has emphatically capitalized on it. His recent performances have been nothing short of impactful on both ends of the court. Against the Clippers, he delivered a stellar performance with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, boasting a team-high +16 plus/minus rating.
Over his last eight games, including the play-in win, Santos has averaged an impressive 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 steals, while also knocking down 1.5 three-pointers per game. This consistent production has solidified his position in the Warriors’ rotation.
Looking Ahead: Warriors vs. Suns
Santos is expected to remain in the starting lineup for Friday night’s crucial game against the Phoenix Suns. Despite the Warriors being +130 underdogs on the road, the team is banking on Santos to continue his strong play. The winner of this play-in game will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
While the Warriors have faced challenges this season, particularly with the absence of players like Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry, Santos’ emergence provides a significant boost. A potential vintage performance from Stephen Curry could also be a deciding factor. The stage is set for an exciting showdown.
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