Charles Bassey Is Quietly Boosting the Warriors Season

The Golden State Warriors’ biggest weakness has long been the center position. 

The benefits of having a lob threat or rim protector can not be overstated, especially as teams have now shifted their focus to guarding the three. 

Center Charles Bassey has shown that through just six games, he may help alleviate Golden State’s deficiencies in that area. 

Charles Bassey Is Making His Mark

So far this season, Bassey is averaging 6.8 points on 64% from the field along with five rebounds. But the stats don’t tell the full story of his impact.

The 25-year-old possesses the coveted qualities of hammering the glass, protecting the rim, and finishing in the paint. 

He has thrived in pick-and-roll situations, oftentimes involving Yaxel Lendeborg or Stephen Curry. With Lendeborg and Curry drawing significant attention, particularly beyond the three-point line, defenders face a pick-your-poison conundrum with the 6-foot-9 center planted in the paint. 

Against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 2, Bassey racked up 19 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes and finished with a +10 in the Dubs’ three-point win.

After Draymond Green was ejected in the third quarter, Bassey stepped up to the plate. On nights when Green or Al Horford don’t play, the Warriors will need Bassey to maintain a steady presence by doing the simple stuff: finishing at the rim and giving them extra opportunities on the glass.

At 36 and 40 years old, respectively, Green and Horford will inevitably miss games due to rest or injury during the season. 

The mysterious Kristaps Porzingis saga only adds to Bassey’s importance as one of the team’s most reliable bigs. Though they play two different styles of basketball, both offer size and rim protection that the Warriors have desperately needed.