Deakon Plowden digested my question relatively quickly, and his answer shows that he has done extensive research on the Warriors.
Plowden said 10 days ago: “This is a franchise where I go in as a 3-and-D guy, mainly because my defense is first-rate, and when those shots get to me, it’s an opportunity to look like I can space the floor a little bit on the show.”
“I can show them that I can shoot the basketball, too, so I feel like I’ve adapted to that kind of play.”
It came after Plowden scored 26 points in 24 minutes in Golden State’s 105-66 win over the Miami Heat in an NBA Summer League game on July 6 at the Chase Center. His team-best plus-41 is not a typo.
That was Plowden’s first game as a Warrior, and the promise shown that night has been maintained in the four games since. No one on the Summer League roster contributed more to Golden State’s 5-0 record.
The warriors have seen enough. On Tuesday, they awarded Plowden a two-way contract no bigger than what they did.
The 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing has the goods to follow a Golden State path blazed by the likes of Alphonso McKinney (2018), Juan Toscano-Anderson (2021) and Lester Quinos (2023). Franchise a two-way agreement before obtaining formal contracts.
Plowden’s constant energy is reminiscent of Toscano-Anderson, but he has more swing and is showing a knack for team-ups. He demonstrates the value of basketball knowledge to the Warriors. In a league crowded with athletic wings, Plowden seems like a flawless fit.
Additionally, on a Golden State team in need of athleticism and aggressive wings, the Philadelphia native can expect playing opportunities.
Even through five Summer League games, Plowden is averaging 16.7 points on 53.7 percent shooting from the field, including 48.1 percent from long range.
But what can do him on the ground with the Warriors is his defense. He can guard multiple positions, which is important to execute a switchable defense. His desire is clear, as is his pride. He considers his loss a bonus.
“That’s more,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve built and worked on from being in different systems and the game that teams want to see from me. That’s more.
But I think what I really bring up is the intangibles, the things that don’t count on the stat sheet on the defensive end.
Perseverance has gotten Plowden, 25, to this point in his career. He spent five years at Bowling Green University, playing in a program-record 154 games and becoming the first player to produce at least 1,200 points, 800 rebounds and 100 blocks.
Despite his impressive numbers, Plowden was not selected in the 2022 NBA draft and signed a 10-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans that summer. He spent the last two years with the Pelicans’ G League affiliates and then the Orlando Magic.
Summer league shows aren’t a real thing. But they can give you a glimpse of what a player can contribute. Plowden is very useful for the small risk that comes with a two-way contract.
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