For the remainder of the season, the Warriors plan to convert two-way big man Usman Garuba to a conventional NBA deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Garuba is eligible for the playoffs since the Warriors promoted him to fill an open roster position.
The Rockets selected Garuba with the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 draft. He spent two seasons in Houston before becoming part of the five-team transaction that sent Dillon Brooks to the Rockets. After that, he was moved from Atlanta to the Thunder once more, who waived him before the start of the season.
Despite having a two-way contract, Garuba, who is regarded as a powerful defender, has not played much for the Warriors this season. This season, he has managed just 12 minutes and two points and three rebounds in five games.
Garuba, who is only 22 years old, has produced more in the G League. In 35 regular season and Showcase Cup games this season, he averaged 12.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks for Santa Cruz.
Garuba has averaged 2.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 104 games (three starts) during his three NBA seasons.
After inking Garuba to a standard contract, the Warriors will have a full 15-man roster. In addition, Golden State has two players on two-way contracts: Pat Spencer and Jerome Robinson. The Warriors aren’t allowed to sign any more two-way players this season because the deadline for signing them expired in March. Two-way players aren’t allowed to play in the postseason.