As has become September tradition, the Golden State Warriors’ practice facility is currently filled with high-energy scrimmages on a regular basis, mixing roster guys with younger players and veteran free agents still in search of a camp invite. Justin Holiday and Nassir Little, league sources told The Athletic , are among the several experienced wings who have shuffled through San Francisco in recent weeks. Advertisement Three Septembers ago, this process led to a training camp invite for Avery Bradley and a legitimate chance to make the roster.
He nearly did. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green pushed for it. But Gary Payton II , with a powerful preseason cameo and the front office’s backing, beat Bradley out for the 15th spot and quickly became a rotation fixture.
Rudy Gay was the big veteran name who latched on last September. Players raved about his presence in preseason. But Gay was cut loose before the roster was finalized.
The Warriors instead opted to enter the season with only 14 roster players and the extra third two-way contract, a predictable outcome considering the extra chunk of luxury-tax savings the vacancy provided. As 2024 training camp nears, there’s even less drama about the Warriors’ open 15th spot. It won’t be filled.
Because of the new collective bargaining agreement rules, it can’t. Because of the Klay Thompson sign-and-trade that brought back Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield , the Warriors have locked themselves at the just-created first apron..