Omari Spellman is earning a larger role in Steve Kerr’s rotation

Omari Spellman has been playing well of late for the Warriros, and is earning himself more minutes in Steve Kerr’s rotation.

In a year where the Golden State Warriors have struggled to secure wins, the development of younger players has been the silver lining to an otherwise down season. One of the Warriors bright spots of late has been sophomore big-man, Omari Spellman.

Spellman, after spending his rookie season with the Atlanta Hawks, has been impressive in his first season in Golden State.

Spellman is averaging 7.1 points, 4.9 rebounds per game with 44.8 % shooting from the field this season, while also adding 39.3 % from beyond the arc. Spellman’s numbers with the Warriors in 2019-20 are all above his career averages.

In the past two games, the Villanova product has played over 20-minutes off the bench and registered double-digit scoring numbers in each game. The Cleveland native has also added a rim-rocking dunk in each of his last two contests.

Without Kevon Looney, and Draymond Green getting ejected, Spellman played a significant role against the Detroit Pistons. The former Atlanta Hawk dropped a career-high 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding a perfect 4-of-4 from the 3-point range.

With two Warriors frontline pieces out of the game, Spellman used his opportunity against Detroit as an audition for more minutes in Steve Kerr’s rotation.

Honestly, I just was going out and trying to play aggressive, and seize the opportunity — I don’t want to lay down and just accept losing minutes — I’m going to just stay ready, but I’m not going to take that lying dow— I want to prove that I can play, I should be out there in my opinion.

In the Warriors practice over the weekend, following their 111-104 loss to Detroit, Kerr agreed Spellman had earned more playing time.

I think Omari has absolutely earned more minutes, he played great last night, played well for us early in the season before things kind of went against him — sometimes it’s just circumstantial, but circumstances turn, especially if you have the fortitude to keep working and remain patient like he has and remain positive — that’s probably the thing I’m most proud of him for.

Both of Spellman’s frontcourt mates, Looney, and Green are dealing with injuries. Neither will suit up against the Sacramento Kings, opening up another opportunity for the Warriors eager forward to build on his impressive play.