The script for Quinten Post’s second season with the Golden State Warriors was supposed to be simple: solidify his defense to stay on the court, and let his elite three-point shooting do the talking. Surprisingly, through nine games, the defense has arrived, but the reliable shooting stroke has mysteriously vanished. This unexpected slump, combined with Al Horford’s own profound struggles, has created a glaring and unexpected problem at the center position for a team with championship aspirations.
1. A Tale of Two Games: The “Feast or Famine” Phenomenon
The numbers tell a story of extreme volatility. Post, who knocked down 73 threes as a rookie, has only 10 through nine games this season, shooting 35.7% from deep. However, that percentage masks a “feast or famine” reality.
The Feast: Eight of his ten made threes have come in just two explosive games: a 4-of-7 performance against the LA Clippers and a 4-of-6 night against the Phoenix Suns.
The Famine: In the other seven games, Post is a dismal 2-of-15 from beyond the arc.
This inconsistency has directly impacted his playing time and the team’s offensive flow. When his shot isn’t falling, his primary value proposition diminishes.
2. The Bigger Picture: A Failing Center Rotation
Post’s struggles would be more manageable if not for the parallel issues with veteran Al Horford. The Warriors’ center rotation, as a whole, is failing to provide consistent offensive production.
Horford, brought in for his experience and floor-spacing, is in a deep shooting rut of his own, hitting just 20.8% (5-of-24) from three-point range. The problem was crystallized in the recent loss to Sacramento, where Post and Horford combined to shoot 0-for-13 from the field. This lack of production from the five-spot clogs the paint and allows defenses to key in on Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler with impunity.
3. Silver Linings and the Path Forward
It’s not all doom and gloom. The article rightly points out that Post has made “marked” improvements in his rebounding and defense. This growth is crucial for his long-term viability and shows his commitment to expanding his game.
However, his “bread and butter” is, and will always be, his three-point shot. For the Warriors to ascend into the upper echelon of contenders, they need the version of Post that can be a consistent floor-spacing threat night in and night out, not just in explosive bursts. The pressure is on for the young big man to find his rhythm, because the veteran behind him hasn’t been able to provide the safety net the team hoped for.
Quinten Post’s sophomore season is at a crossroads. The improvements on defense prove he is coachable and evolving, but the Warriors’ system is built on reliable shooting from every position. His current inconsistency isn’t just a personal slump; it’s a microcosm of a larger issue within the Warriors’ center rotation. If Golden State is to live up to its “legitimate championship contender” billing, finding a solution to this unexpected shooting crisis at the five-spot will be one of the team’s most pressing challenges.