Golden State Warriors forward Alfonzo McKinnie is in a perilous predicament, as he was previously slated to become the team's starting small forward, but could also be waived before the season starts after the recent chain of events.
Much like it happened with him last season, the Warriors made a last-minute addition to their training camp roster in Marquese Chriss, a former No. 8 overall pick with the Phoenix Suns that bounced to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets last season without much success.
Only a few practices and one game have been needed for team veterans to clamor for his signing, as the big man showed a dynamic skill set and a strong effort, pouring in eight points, six rebounds, and four assists in 14 minutes of play before fouling out against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
McKinnie held his own with seven points, six rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot during 21 minutes of play, but he was a team-worst minus-23, which raised questions about his value.
Per Connor Letourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle:
“All of this talk about my roster status, it’s only going to make my story that much better,” said McKinnie, who won a spot out of training camp last season, taking Patrick McCaw's roster spot. “I feel like the situations I always find myself in are unique. I’m on the team, but it’s not 100% locked in. I think about it sometimes, but at the same time, I can’t let it cloud my mind. You do that, you’re stressing over that all day, every day.”
Out of the 14 players under contract, McKinnie is the only player with a non-guaranteed one. The 6-foot-8 lanky forward is also only one of two at his position, along with offseason signing Glenn Robinson III — three if counting Alec Burks' ability to play at either wing spot.
Despite of that, the Warriors value Chriss' motor, versatility, and newfound spirit for the game, which should make him helpful to play at multiple positions. Golden State would have to waive McKinnie in order to make room for Chriss, though it would cost them part of the $400,000-plus they have left in salary cap space after becoming hard-capped due to the sign-and-trade for D'Angelo Russell.
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