Perhaps overshadowed by the news that the Golden State Warriors were meeting with eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard, was the news that they had signed Usman Garuba to a two-way deal. Like the Howard news, this was reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, who wrote, “Free agent center Usman Garuba has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. The former Rockets first-round pick is coming off averaging 8.2 points and 4 rebounds for Spain in the FIBA World Cup.”
Still just 21 years old, Garuba spent the last two seasons with the Houston Rockets. The 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Garuba has some upside that the Warriors are hoping he finds with them. This move fills the second of Golden State’s three two-way slots, meaning one more can still be used.
While it’s clear the Warriors are still targeting front court depth on their main roster, adding a player like Garuba extends that depth even further. Two-way players hardly ever play regular minutes on contending teams, but the Warriors have at times been the exception to that. Injuries and other unexpected circumstances can free up opportunities for two-way players, so perhaps Garuba gets a look at some point next season.
For now, the former first overall pick has a fresh start in Golden State.
