Warriors Could Have One Underrated Breakout Candidate This Season

The Golden State Warriors do not need every developing player to become a featured scorer. They need dependable contributors who can make the possessions around Stephen Curry work.

Gui Santos could become an increasingly important part of that effort.

NBA analyst Tim Legler identified Santos as a player to watch entering the season, pointing to his opportunity, versatility and approach. Speaking on the All-NBA podcast, Legler predicted another step forward for the Warriors forward.

“I liked him last year, but I think this year is going to be a whole other level,” Legler said.

That prediction gives Santos an interesting place in Golden State’s outlook. His value can come from several areas, allowing him to contribute even when the offense is running through someone else.

For the Warriors, the question is whether those contributions become consistent enough to support a larger role throughout the season.

Playing alongside Curry requires awareness of where the defense is looking and what space that attention creates.

For Santos, that can mean cutting behind a defender who turns toward the ball, moving a pass along before an opening closes or attacking a closeout with a direct drive.

Those actions can keep an advantage alive without requiring a complicated possession.

His preseason performance against Sacramento on Oct. 10 offered an example of his scoring potential around the basket. Santos finished with 15 points and six rebounds, shooting 6 of 9 from the field. His five turnovers also showed where greater control would help.

The combination illustrates both the opportunity and the challenge.

Golden State can benefit from another forward capable of reaching the paint and finishing. Those possessions become less valuable if rushed decisions repeatedly give the ball back.

Santos does not have to eliminate risk. He needs to distinguish between an opening he can attack and a possession that would benefit from another pass.

That judgment could determine how much offensive responsibility he earns.

Legler’s optimism centers partly on qualities that can support development beyond a brief scoring surge. He praised Santos’ competitiveness, professionalism and work habits.

The basketball test is whether those qualities translate into reliable execution when opponents adjust.

Teams can close driving lanes, challenge a player to shoot or apply pressure when he handles the ball. Santos’ next step will involve responding without allowing the offense to stall.

Decisive shooting when open would help. So would attacking available space without dribbling into additional defenders.

On the other end, consistent positioning and finishing possessions with rebounds would give Golden State more reasons to keep him involved when his scoring varies.

A breakout season does not have to mean a dramatic increase in shot attempts. It can mean becoming a player the coaching staff trusts across more situations.

Santos has a path toward that kind of growth. If his decisions become steadier alongside his expanding offensive confidence, the Warriors could receive meaningful improvement from a player whose contributions deserve closer attention.