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After beginning his NBA career as the No. 52 pick in the draft and on a two-way contract, Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post developed into a key rotation player and starter at times, a knockdown 3-point shooter (.417), and a good rebounder.
Post sat down with HoopsHype to discuss his journey from playing in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors to earning a standard NBA contract and key rotation minutes with Golden State, what he’s learned from Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the team’s expectations moving forward, and more.
How did you earn a standard NBA deal after joining a veteran team on a two-way contract?
Quinten Post: Transitioning from college to the NBA, it’s a different game. It’s faster, and the guys are more athletic. It took a little bit, and then basketball is all a game about confidence. When you first get into a locker room like ours, and you see Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and all these guys, it takes a while to find your role within those guys. I have to give big credit to our G League squad, my teammates, and my coaches for giving me the reps. At some point, I got a chance, and then it was on me to capitalize.
How was it mentally adjusting from getting the ball a lot in college to becoming a role player as a rookie?
Post: There’s no ego in this league. I’ve said from the start. My biggest goal is to play winning basketball. I don’t care how that translates. At Boston College, I had to be a ball-dominant guy. Here, we have such good players that I can use my skill set to be a supporting piece. I try to bring energy, I try to knock down shots, and I try to play good defense.
What went through your mind when you earned a standard NBA deal?
Post: It proved that it was worth it. I give myself credit from the moment I found out I was going to Santa Cruz. I put my head down and completely focused on that. I wasn’t even thinking about the Warriors. I was focused on winning our games in the G League and playing better basketball with my teammates there. I was locked in. I was going to win the G League. That was our plan. We were on a streak there. Then, all of a sudden, I got a call-up, and then I was here. The fact that I got converted, I felt was because I did the right things, and I got rewarded for it.
How do you feel you’ve been able to impact the Warriors?
Post: My energy, size, making point five decisions, which Steve (Kerr) is very big on. If you make the right play every time, that’s all you can do. On defense, I’m learning. I’m trying to play with a lot of effort and energy.
Is there anything that sticks out from Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, or Draymond Green that’s something you learned and sticks out?
Post: I’ve never heard so much communication on any team I’ve been a part of. Draymond talks. Steph talks. Steph may be more of a quiet leader, but when Steph uses his voice, it’s heard. I’m being talked to all these plays we’re going through on the offensive and defensive end. They’re Hall of Fame players. It’s an honor to play with them, and I’m grateful I can help them.
When the team acquired Jimmy Butler, what did that say to you and the guys in the locker room about the expectations?
Post: We’re trying to win now. I think it was pretty clear. We made a huge move, and we traded a lot of our pieces and depth. Jimmy has been so great for us. From the front office, what it told us is that we’re trying to win a championship. Steph and Draymond got a second wind after the trade happened. As a rookie, you follow in line and try to bring whatever you can.
Has Jimmy Butler given you any guidance since arriving?
Post: He talks and is very clear about how he wants to play the game. He’s a positive influence in our locker room. He plays super hard on defense. He’s an easy guy to follow in his footsteps. He’s been in the league for so long and made multiple deep runs in the playoffs, so it’s easy to follow a guy like that who plays as hard as he does.
What’s the ceiling for this team if you guys stay healthy and are clicking?
Post: Championship.
You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on X, formerly known as Twitter.
