Steve Kerr Makes Surprising Admission About Warriors’ New Omer Yurtseven Signing

While Kerr may not be an expert on Omer Yurtseven’s recent stint with Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague, he is likely familiar with what the 6’11” center has done against his own team. As a member of the Heat and Jazz, the Turkish center has been a thorn in Golden State’s side, including a career-high 18-rebound performance against them in 2024.

Omer Yurtseven’s signing was born out of pure necessity following a “Friday the 13th” nightmare against the Minnesota Timberwolves. During the 127–117 loss, the Warriors lost veteran big man Al Horford to a right calf strain and saw second-year center Quinten Post exit with an ankle sprain.

With Draymond Green already sidelined due to back soreness and Kristaps Porzingis managing an Achilles issue, and most important of all, Curry’s story finally moving towards it’s fianl chapter, Golden State was left with almost no active players over 6’9″. 

Golden State Signs Omer Yurtseven Despite Charles Bassey’s Dominant G League Run

With their frontcourt severely depleted, the Golden State Warriors turned to veteran big man Omer Yurtseven on Saturday in an effort to stabilize the position. 

While the move addressed a pressing need, the choice of Yurtseven raised some eyebrows. Charles Bassey, who has been thriving with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, appeared to be a logical in-house option.

The 25-year-old has produced outstanding numbers this season, averaging 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks while shooting over 60 percent from the field and more than 40 percent from three-point range.

Instead, Golden State opted for Omer Yurtseven, perhaps influenced by his recent 36-point, 12-rebound, three-block performance against the Salt Lake City Stars. With just 16 games remaining and their playoff hopes slipping away, the signing may simply be a short-term solution as the Warriors struggle through an injury-riddled finish to the season.