A quarter of the way through the season the Santa Cruz Warriors are sitting at 9-3 and still have the best record in the NBA D-League, but how has every player performed individually? Let's take a look at the guards.
Stefhon Hannah:
It's no mistake that Hannah has started all but one game this season for the Santa Cruz Warriors. He's averaging less points than last season with 15.3 compared to 18.4 points, but one thing that hasn't changed is his leadership qualities, especially his vocals.
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For the most part he still looks to score the ball whenever he has it in his hands; however, he has shown glimpses of amazing court vision on some passes that just leave you wondering how he saw that open man under the basket or in the corner for an open three.
Defensively he's been tough, fighting under screens, forcing turnovers and pestering any player that he's guarding day in and day out. Statistically he's not having the same year as he did last season, but even while playing through some lingering injuries he is still performing at a high level.
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Travis Leslie:
Leslie has been the be-all do-all stat sheet filler that many believed he could be at the beginning of the season. Not only has he been the Warriors lead scorer, but he also leads the team in rebounds per game.
He's played both the three and the two in this offense, and has been one of the most efficient players in the entire D-League shooting a ridiculous 55.6 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three. It's still puzzling as to me why or how Leslie is still in the D-League the way he's been shooting and attacking the rim.
Defensively he always seems to have a steal and breakaway slam in every game. His blend of size strength and athleticism is something that you just can't teach. I wouldn't be surprised if Leslie ended up in the NBA before the end of the season.
Mo Baker:
Baker's numbers have dropped considerably from last season, both in scoring and assists, but he knows head coach Nate Bjorkgren's system. He's only had one game where he's scored in the double-digits, but his minutes are still valuable for this team because of how efficient he is. Also, he is shooting the three ball at 44 percent, the best of his career.
Justin Johnson:
He has yet to start a game for the Warriors this season, but what he's given them off the bench has been crucial to their success this season. The way that he gets to the basket is fun to watch. His minutes and numbers are down from last season, but with the trade of Carlon Brown all signs point towards Johnson picking those minutes up.
Cameron Jones:
He has the ability to explode coming off the bench and he's shown it through the first quarter of the season, as he's averaged 9.8 points per game. He knows his role and he plays it very well. The only thing that is lacking is his shot from three point land, which is at a disappointing 25 percent.
