What's Happening?
The Golden State Warriors have announced the release of two players from their preseason roster, Marques Bolden and Taevion Kinsey. Both players had signed Exhibit 10 contracts, which are typically used to incentivize players to join a team's G League
affiliate. Bolden, a former five-star recruit from Duke, has struggled to make a significant impact in the NBA, having played for teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets. During the Warriors' preseason, Bolden participated in two games, scoring nine points and securing four rebounds over 11 minutes of play. Kinsey, who went undrafted from Marshall University in 2023, has yet to play in an NBA regular season game despite signing multiple contracts with the Utah Jazz. In the Warriors' preseason, Kinsey played in three games but did not score in his 13 minutes on the court. The Warriors now have two open spots on their 21-man preseason roster, which may be filled by players who will likely be waived and sent to the G League.
Why It's Important?
The decision to waive Bolden and Kinsey reflects the Warriors' ongoing efforts to refine their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season. By releasing these players, the Warriors can focus on developing talent within their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, potentially strengthening their overall player development pipeline. This move also highlights the competitive nature of securing a spot on an NBA roster, especially for players who have not yet established themselves in the league. For Bolden, the release underscores the challenges faced by highly-touted recruits who struggle to transition their college success into professional achievements. Kinsey's journey illustrates the difficulties undrafted players encounter in breaking into the NBA. The Warriors' roster adjustments may influence other teams' strategies as they finalize their lineups for the regular season.
What's Next?
With two open spots on their preseason roster, the Warriors may look to sign additional players who could be waived and sent to the G League for further development. This strategy allows the team to evaluate potential talent while maintaining flexibility in their roster composition. The Warriors' focus on their G League affiliate suggests a commitment to nurturing emerging players who could contribute to the main team in the future. As the NBA regular season approaches, other teams may also make similar roster adjustments, potentially leading to a flurry of player movements across the league. The Warriors' decisions will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, as they could impact the team's performance in the upcoming season.
