The Golden State Warriors have bolstered their frontcourt by signing center Charles Bassey, the team announced. The move brings the five-year NBA veteran to the Bay Area after an impressive stint in the G League this season.
Bassey has been on the move throughout the 2023-24 campaign, signing consecutive 10-day contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers in January and February before joining the Boston Celtics on similar deals in March. Across eight NBA appearances this season with Memphis, Philadelphia, and Boston, he has averaged 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in limited minutes.
The 23-year-old center brings NBA experience from his time with four different franchises. Over his five-year career spanning 121 games, Bassey has averaged 4.2 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing 10.8 minutes per contest.
Where Bassey has truly shined this season has been in the G League. Across 20 games split between the Santa Cruz Warriors and Delaware Blue Coats, he put up dominant numbers that caught Golden State's attention. Bassey averaged 20.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks while playing nearly 30 minutes per game.
His G League performance placed him among the league's elite big men this season. Bassey finished the regular season ranked third in blocks per game and was the only qualifying player to average both 20-plus points and 12-plus rebounds.
The signing represents an opportunity for Bassey to potentially earn a more permanent role after bouncing between teams on short-term deals. He will wear jersey number 28 for the Warriors.
Golden State has been actively evaluating frontcourt options throughout the season, and Bassey's combination of NBA experience and G League dominance made him an attractive target. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess could provide valuable depth behind the Warriors' established big men.
The Warriors organization emphasized the importance of their G League affiliate in developing talent, with Bassey's signing demonstrating the pathway from Santa Cruz to the NBA roster. His performance with the Santa Cruz Warriors clearly made a strong impression on the parent club's decision-makers.
Bassey now joins a Warriors team looking to solidify their rotation ahead of the postseason. His ability to contribute immediately on the glass and protect the rim could earn him minutes in specific matchups as Golden State prepares for the playoff push.
