The Golden State Warriors have slowly been doling out their 2018 championship rings, as former players return to Oracle Arena to be cheered by fans and gifted some lavish jewelry. On Christmas day, with the Los Angeles Lakers in town, the team was expecting to give a ring to beloved former Warrior JaVale McGee.
That didn’t happen. McGee had just gotten out of the hospital after a bout of pneumonia, and didn’t travel with the Lakers to Oakland. Instead of sending the ring back with Los Angeles, the Warriors decided to wait until McGee is next in town, so that he could be honored in front of the fans. The Lakers will return to Oracle on February 2.
Kerr said that the Warriors will give JaVale McGee, who is sick and not here, will get his championship ring Feb. 2 when the Lakers next play at Oracle Arena.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 25, 2018
McGee spent two years with the Warriors, and they were a wonderful two years. He won a pair of championships, and while he played limited minutes, he showed an ability to be a dynamic player on both ends of the court, and regained a lot of value. As such, he signed with the Lakers over the offseason, and immediately became their starting center. This year he’s averaging 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, while playing more than 23 minutes a night.
He had a great relationship with Warriors fans, so it’s safe to say the reception in February will be warm.