State of Zags in the NBA: Graham Ike Starts for Golden State Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 21: Graham Ike #45 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Dwight D. Eisenhower famously had a slogan in his 1952 presidential campaign called “I Like Ike” (pronounced EYEK). While I wasn’t alive in that era, I can say I like a different Ike (pronounced EE-KAY).

Beloved Gonzaga Bulldog and now professional rookie Graham Ike made his first NBA career start on October 23rd for the Golden State Warriors against the Memphis Grizzlies. In 12 minutes, he tallied 10 points on 4-for-6 field goals and a perfect 2-for-2 beyond the three-point line, while grabbing two offensive rebounds.

Ike got the nod to start the next day against the Phoenix Suns. He played 26 minutes, going 5-for-13 and totaling 12 points, which included a sick putback dunk. Not to mention, the Zag grabbed 10 rebounds in what lead to his first double-double in the NBA.

First career double-double for Graham Ike 💪 pic.twitter.com/fF4fhf9BH4

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 25, 2026

Ike only played less than three minutes in the next matchup on the road against the Denver Nuggets, his home state team.

It’s extraordinary watching Ike, who went undrafted and signed an Exhibit-10 deal with Golden State back on June 26th, get minutes in the big leagues. To not only play, but shine for a Warriors squad that does not have much to look forward to this season.

Let’s not forget the connection between Gonzaga coach Mark Few and Golden State coach Steve Kerr, as they coach together for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the Warriors being the oldest team in the current NBA (their average is 29.39 years), Kerr could give Ike much more playing time than anticipated.

Ike wasn’t the only Gonzaga alum who had some attention through the NBA’s first week.

Jalen Suggs, entering his sixth campaign with the Orlando Magic, dropped 14 points, six rebounds and six assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 23rd. However, on October 25th against the defending champion New York Knicks, Suggs suffered a non-contact injury late in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Suggs is down in serious pain after this play

Prayers up. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/i0l1mkwM6b

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 26, 2026

Anytime a player goes down holding their knee, especially when it’s non-contact, a basketball fan is quick to assume the worst. Luckily, ESPN’s NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Suggs was diagnosed with a mild bone bruise in his right knee and will be out for at least two weeks.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been diagnosed with a mild bone bruise in his right knee and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, sources tell ESPN. Suggs avoided any other major structural damage. pic.twitter.com/C3DqyUcuAW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 26, 2026

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, in his first two games of his fifth NBA season, has averaged 16.0 points on a 55.2 field goal percentage, 1.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists. The older Nembhard did not play on October 26th against the Milwaukee Bucks, dealing with neck/back issues.

His younger brother, Ryan, had some minutes in his first chance to suit up for his new team, the Denver Nuggets, going 2-for-3 from the field and hitting a three-pointer. Nembhard had a busy offseason, being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent his rookie season, to the Atlanta Hawks. On September 22nd, he was traded once again to the Charlotte Hornets, and then waived on September 26th.

It’s only been a week into the 2026-2027 NBA season, and it’s already been fantastic seeing these former Zags get some minutes, especially Ike.