The Golden State Warriors made a low-cost investment in their previous high picks. Will the partnership continue?
Looking back at my own draft history, the Golden State Warriors have made several errors over the years, and James Wiseman’s selection is most notable.
But they’re not the only ones. The New York Knicks spent the 2018 ninth round draft pick with Kevin Knox. Kevin Knox is one pick before Mikal Bridges, who gave up a big buck to win in 2024.
Knox traded with the Atlanta Hawks in 2022 and has since been struggling the league with the Trail Blazers and Pistons before another career reset last year.
Kevin Knox scored a low point in his career in the 2024 offseason and was forced to accept the deals allocated to the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Golden State Warriors’ G-League affiliate.
This reflected a non-existent market for his services, but it was a move that was a step backward to move forward.
Knox spent the 2024 backend, moved in the G League and was called to sign Golden State after learning in the Warriors system.
With support from his teammates, Knox contributed to the end of the regular season, playing 14 games under Steve Kerr.
He then appeared in five playoff games, playing in the postseason for the first time since 2022. He previously only played three playoff games in his career.
He played just 4.2 minutes per game in these playoff appearances, but he simply took a step in the right direction.
Now he has to build on this gradual progression and count 2025-26.
Kevin Knox is only 25 years old and his potential to improve is the main reason he brought him last season. There is a decision right now.
Knox is an unlimited free agent and he listens to suggestions when he comes down to his path and pays attention to financial incentives.
But in reality, Knox should give everyone else the opportunity, even if he receives a discount.
At this stage of his career, he needs consistency and an element of trust from the coaching staff who have begun to acquire in Golden State.
Has he ever won a starting spot with the Warriors? It depends on Knox to prove, he needs to do more. But he should be pleased with his progress last season. So he can now say that for the first time in a long time he is on an upward trajectory.