The Warriors should add Quinn Cook to the playoff roster

With so many of the Golden State Warriors’ best players dealing with minor injuries, the last few games have featured the team’s supporting cast to middling results. Clearly, this team is prioritizing rest and health over record for the final stint of the season.

Though at times the Warriors have been difficult to watch due to a lack of talent and especially scoring, there have been a few bright spots. Nothing has been more promising than Quinn Cook’s performance: in his last two games especially, he’s shown that he belongs in the NBA.

Due to Stephen Curry’s injury, Cook has started the past five games, but earlier on in his stint, he was playing more of a supporting role as other scorers handled most of the offensive load. But because of more recent injuries to Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, Cook has stepped into the spotlight as one of the best shotmakers on this depleted Warriors squad.

Quinn Cook has scored over 25 points in both of the last two contests, including five threes in each, and done so efficiently. The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are admittedly not the greatest competition, but Cook was clearly one of the best players on the court in both games. His 28 points versus the Suns was the highest point total by any two-way player this year.

Quinn Cook has consistently excelled in the G-League all season as well. He’s averaged 25.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds on a 65% true shooting percentage — he’s an NBA level talent.

Finding a playoff roster spot for Quinn Cook

Currently on a two-way contract, the Warriors can have him on the roster for the rest of the regular season. But he won’t be on the playoff roster as things currently stand. The Warriors would have to cut a player to sign Cook on a regular minimum contract.

The Warriors have until April 11th to add Cook to the playoff roster, so they have some time to make a decision. Cook would bring energy and shooting to a playoff squad that could use it.

The Warriors would likely cut Omri Casspi if they bring Cook aboard for the playoffs. Currently, it seems that Kevon Looney, Zaza Pachulia, and JaVale McGee have specific roles carved out for them, while Damian Jones is under contract for next year. Casspi is a versatile forward who rebounds well, but his refusal to shoot threes and his tendency to become invisible on the floor make him a liability. His injury problems (he currently has a sprained ankle) have affected his availability as well.

Even Draymond Green endorsed Cook for a spot on the playoff roster. The kid has proven his worth.