© Neville E. Guard | 2020 Jan 4
The Warriors waived promising young center Marquese Chriss after Monday night’s destruction at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. The move clears a roster spot for Damion Lee who is currently on a two-way contract, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Two-way players are allotted just 45 days with the NBA team and must spend the rest of the season in the G-League. As of Monday, Lee had just two days left, point guard Ky Bowman had six. Bowman will be sent down to Santa Cruz once D’Angelo Russell returns, something he’s expected to do vs. the Bucks on Wednesday.
Days left on 45-day counter after tonight
-Ky Bowman: 6
-Damion Lee: 2
Steve Kerr says Warriors will send Bowman to G-League when D’Angelo Russell returns. No clarity on Lee. Roster spot likely to be cleared for him at some point. pic.twitter.com/qmLOo9ATHy— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 6, 2020
Without Kevon Looney for much of the season, Chriss, 22, showed flashes of athleticism and skill that led to him being drafted eighth overall by the Kings in 2016. Chriss averaged over seven points and five rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game. His 49.2 field goal percentage this season is the highest of his career.
“They said it’s been a tough decision,” Criss told Anthony Slater after hearing the news. “It is what it is. I’ve accomplished a lot. I’ve shown what I’m capable of. I’ve shown I belong. People make business decisions.”
Though the Warriors likely would’ve rather traded one of their veteran pieces instead of cutting Chriss, Lee has earned the final roster spot. An undrafted player in his second season, Lee is averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while playing above average defense on the perimeter.