Plowden has a real chance to be the Warriors’ next two-way success story originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Daeqwon Plowden digested my question relatively quickly and his response indicated that he had conducted extensive research into the Warriors.
“This is a franchise where I would fit in as a 3-and-D guy,” Plowden said 10 days ago, “essentially with my defense being kind of primary and then when those shots hit me, that’s my opportunity to kind of clear that. I can space the floor a little.
“I can show them that I can shoot the basketball too, so I feel like I fit right into that type of play style.”
That was after Plowden scored 26 points in 24 minutes in Golden State’s 105-66 rout of the Miami Heat in an NBA Summer League game on July 6 at Chase Center. His best team plus 41 is not a typo.
That was Plowden’s first game as a Warrior, and the promise visible that night has been maintained in the four games since. No one on the Summer League roster has contributed more to Golden State’s 5-0 record.
The Warriors have seen enough. They rewarded Plowden on Tuesday with a bilateral contract that he appears capable of fulfilling, if not exceeding.
The 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing has the goods to follow an open Golden State trail by the likes of Alfonzo McKinnie (2018), Juan Toscano-Anderson (2021) and Lester Quinones (2023), each of whom joined the franchise via a two-way deal before earning standard contracts.
Plowden’s relentless energy is reminiscent of Toscano-Anderson, but he has more jump and shows the ability to score in groups. He displays the basketball intellect the Warriors value. In a league overrun with athletic wings, Plowden seems like a perfect fit.
Plus, on a Golden State team in need of athletic, gritty wings, the Philadelphia native can hope to get playing opportunities.
Although five Summer League gamesPlowden is averaging 16.7 points on 53.7 percent shooting from the field, including 48.1 percent from distance.
But it’s his defense that could put him on the floor with the Warriors. He can guard multiple positions, which is necessary to run a switchable defense. His desire is evident, as is his pride. He considers his offense a bonus.
“That’s a plus,” he said. “That’s something I’ve incorporated and worked on in my game, being in different systems and what teams want to see from me. That’s an advantage.
“But I think what I really bring is just the intangibles, the things that don’t count on the defensive end’s stat sheet.”
Perseverance has brought Plowden, 25, to this point in his career. He spent five years at Bowling Green University, playing 154 games, a program record, and being the first player to produce at least 1,200 points, 800 rebounds and 100 blocks.
Despite the impressive numbers, Plowden was not selected in the 2022 NBA Draft and that summer signed a Test 10 contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. He spent the last two years with the G League affiliate Pelicans and then the Orlando Magic.
Summer League performances are not real. They can, however, offer an idea of a player’s contribution. Plowden has excelled and is well worth the small risk that comes with a two-way contract.
