In the wake of Stephen Curry‘s latest injury, the Warriors need to add two-way player Quinn Cook to their roster before the postseason, writes Chris Haynes of ESPN. The second-year point guard has made the most of his time with Golden State, averaging 6.9 points in 23 games. He has been extremely productive lately, reaching double figures in his last five contests, including a career high of 28 points.
With the G League regular season now over, Cook’s 45-day NBA limit is no longer a concern. However, he cannot be on the playoff roster unless the Warriors convert his contract to a full NBA deal by April 10, the day before the season ends. Golden State doesn’t have an available roster spot, so someone would have to be waived. Sources tell Haynes that the team hasn’t discussed such a move with Cook’s representatives.
“I want to secure a guaranteed deal,” he said. “I know I’m an NBA player, and I want to continuing proving that.”
There’s more Warriors news this morning:
- In an interview with HoopsHype, Cook said he is more focused on a strong finish to the regular season than the roster decision. “Obviously if it were to happen, I’d be grateful, I’d be thankful,” Cook said of being activated for the postseason. “But if it doesn’t, I’ll still be with the team during the playoffs and practicing with the guys and still learning. It’s not something that I’ve been thinking about. Whatever happens happens, and I’ll be grateful either way.”
- After being injured Friday, Curry spent time after the game talking to Cook about his new role with the team, according to Mark Medina of The San Jose Mercury News. It’s a continuation of the mentoring role Curry has adopted since Cook’s first call-up to the Warriors in December. “He’d literally sit down with me before every game and at halftime and tell me what he would see,” Cook said. “We developed a great friendship and mentorship along the season.”
- Curry’s MRI results dominated the headlines Saturday, but the Warriors have much better news regarding their other injured stars, relays Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Draymond Green has recovered from a pelvic contusion that he suffered Monday and should play in today’s game, while Kevin Durant is expected back from a rib cartilage fracture by the middle of the week. Klay Thompson will be out a little longer with a fractured right thumb, but Slater expects them to have about five games together before the season ends.
The emergence of Cook could spell the end to Shaun Livingston’s time in Golden State. With Livingston’s inflated salary you could see him moved for more frontcourt depth. A strong rebounder on an expiring deal like Kenneth Faried or a slightly above average shooter from 3 in Marvin Williams. Both Denver and Charlotte have needs at PG in some form and Livingston could be an option.
With Durant taking the max this summer, Iguadala could be done too.