The Golden State Warriors are expanding their training camp roster by reportedly signing former Los Angeles Lakers forward Blake Hinson, a 6’8″ sharpshooter, on Thursday.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that Hinson has signed an exhibition 10 contract with the Warriors shortly after the Lakers waived his two-way deal.
Read Also: Nets Get Massive Ben Simmons Injury Update as Training Camp Nears
Blake Hinson could add some shooting to the Warriors front court
After going undrafted in June, Blake Hinson signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and participated in Summer League, where he averaged 10.9 points and 2.5 rebounds over 20.8 minutes in eight games in Las Vegas and the California Classic.
Although Hinson shot 34.1% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range during Summer League, these numbers don’t fully reflect his shooting potential. Last season, he led the ACC in three-point shooting at 42.1%, making 42.1% of his 7.9 attempts per game while playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Overall, he averaged 18.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game, and he had previously averaged 15.3 points and 6.0 rebounds with a 38% shooting rate from beyond the arc in the 2022-23 season.
At 6’8″, Hinson presents an interesting option for the Warriors, who are looking for frontcourt shooting talent. However, it’s likely he won’t remain with the team next season; this contract could provide him with the chance to develop through the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.
Hinson is the latest addition to a group of players who have signed exhibit 10 contracts with Golden State recently, including point guard Yuri Collins and forwards Javan Johnson and Donta Scott, along with Jackson Rowe, who received his contract right after Summer League in July. Notably, Hinson is the first player to sign an exhibit 10 deal without prior ties to the Warriors, as the others had all played for the franchise in the G League or Summer League.
His signing brings Golden State over the 21-man preseason roster limit, indicating that further roster moves are likely. The Warriors’ training camp will begin in Hawaii after media day on September 30, with their first preseason game against the L.A. Clippers scheduled for October 5.