The Golden State Warriors needed someone to step up on Tuesday night against the Sacramento Kings. With Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Quinten Post all unavailable, the frontcourt was dangerously thin.
Charles Bassey made sure nobody noticed.
In just his second game with the Warriors, the 25-year-old center delivered 14 points, a game-high 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 27 minutes off the bench. Golden State won 110-105. Bassey was a plus-9 on the night.
For a player who signed with the team just three days ago, the performance was remarkable.
What Bassey Said After the Game
GettyCharles Bassey of the Golden State Warriors.
Bassey has been with four different NBA teams across five seasons. Opportunities have come and gone. When the Warriors called, he was ready.
Speaking to NBC Sports Bay Area after Tuesday’s win, he made clear what the moment meant.
“It means a lot, man, to have this opportunity,” Bassey said. “I’m just trying to use this because you never know when your chance will come. It means a lot just being here. They gave me this opportunity, and it means a lot to me, my family and the team.”
He was equally clear about what he sees as his role within this group.
“I just try to get extra possessions for my team,” Bassey said. “That means extra shots for Steph, just extra possessions to try to help. That’s what I do, man, just bring that energy every time for my teammates, regardless of how many minutes I play or what I do out there. I just know my job is just to go out there and give them extra juice, an extra boost every time.”
The humility behind both quotes speaks to someone who understands his role and is not trying to be anything more than what the Warriors need right now.
What the Warriors’ Kerr and Green Said About Bassey
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors talks to head coach Steve Kerr.
The reaction from inside the Warriors locker room was equally encouraging. Steve Kerr kept his assessment short and to the point.
“He’s a really impressive player,” Kerr said.
Draymond Green was more expansive, breaking down what specifically stood out to him about the newest Warrior.
“Very live body,” Green said. “He’s a really good shot-blocker, rebounds the ball well. A lob threat, great finisher around the rim. He’s got really good hands. That’s the one thing that kind of stood out most to me. I think he’s getting more and more comfortable, but he’s been good these last couple games.”
The Story Behind Bassey
The performance was impressive on its own. The journey that led to it makes it even more compelling.
Bassey grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where he sold chicken for his family. He played soccer until a growth spurt before his 13th birthday pushed him past six feet. Within two years of picking up basketball, he stood 6-foot-10 and was voted MVP of Giants of Africa, a basketball camp conceived by former Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri.
After three standout seasons at Western Kentucky, Bassey was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. He has since played for the San Antonio Spurs and three other organizations before landing in Golden State. His 7-foot-3 wingspan and ability to control the paint give the Warriors something they have been missing during their injury-riddled stretch.
Final Word for the Warriors
Bassey is not here to be a star. He is here to give the Warriors what they need when they need it most.
Tuesday night, that meant double-digit points, a game-high in rebounds, and an energy that lifted a team playing without three of its centers.
The play-in is approaching. The Warriors are going to need every bit of that boost.
Bassey looks ready to provide it.
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