In a move that many suspected was coming, the Golden State Warriors will waive Alfonzo McKinnie to make way for preseason breakout player Marquese Chriss to be signed, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Charania stated via Twitter that “McKinnie will be one of the top available players on the market.” McKinnie also is considered a beloved locker room guy by the Warriors who, though they campaigned general manager Bob Myers to acquire Chriss by any means necessary, also must have mixed feelings about seeing McKinnie go.
But, as the kids say, the numbers don’t lie. McKinnie struggled mightily in the preseason, while Chriss excelled.
In the Warriors 126-93 demolition by the Lakers on Wednesday, McKinnie was held scoreless in 23 minutes on four field-goal attempts. He did not earn trips to charity stripe to pick up points that way, but on defense had four rebounds and two assists. But his five personal fouls, one turnover and -27 in plus/minus probably sealed the deal for coach Steve Kerr.
