Seven games into the season, the Golden State Warriors are navigating the expected turbulence, but an unexpected storyline is emerging from their frontcourt. While veteran acquisition Al Horford has yet to find his footing, second-year center Quinten Post is making an undeniable, statistically-backed case for a significant and consistent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation.
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The argument for Post isn’t based on hype; it’s rooted in cold, hard numbers that are impossible to ignore. Through the early season:
Elite Net Rating: Post boasts the second-highest plus/minus on the entire team, a testament to his overall impact when on the floor.
Dominant Pairing with Draymond: In 68 minutes shared with Draymond Green, the duo has a staggering net rating of +34.1, fueled by an elite offensive rating (122.63) and a shutdown defensive rating (88.49).
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Proven Performance: His breakout game against the LA Clippers—12 points, 8 rebounds, 4-of-7 from three, and a +34 plus/minus—showcased his unique blend of floor-spacing and energy.
Despite this compelling evidence, Post ranks only 10th on the team in minutes per game (12.7), a discrepancy that has fans and analysts alike questioning the rotation logic.
The Warriors signed 39-year-old Al Horford with clear, managed expectations: provide veteran leadership and spot minutes without the burden of a heavy workload. So far, even with those low benchmarks, his impact has been minimal. He holds the second-lowest net rating on the team and has missed games for rest, as planned.
The dilemma isn’t that Horford is playing poorly, but that Post is playing so well that he is forcing a difficult conversation. As analyst Jack Simone noted, Post “looks ready to play more consistent minutes,” creating a luxury problem for Kerr but also a pressing strategic decision.
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Golden State’s initial success with small-ball lineups featuring Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green has reduced the overall reliance on a traditional center. However, for long-term sustainability, they need a reliable big who can protect the rim and space the floor.
Post represents the perfect bridge between the team’s competing timelines:
For the Veterans (Curry, Butler, Green): His shooting provides crucial spacing, and his energy can cover ground defensively, easing their burden.
For the Future: At 23, he is a developing asset whose value skyrockets if he can solidify a role in a championship-contending system.
Steve Kerr faces a classic coach’s decision: stick with the proven but declining veteran, or ride the hot hand of the emerging young player whose on-court impact is currently irrefutable. While it’s premature to completely phase out Al Horford, the data and on-court production make a compelling argument that Quinten Post has not just earned more minutes—he may have already earned the right to be considered the primary solution at center for the Golden State Warriors.