Warriors rule Charles Bassey out for season opener against Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Charles Bassey #28 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors are already missing center Kristaps Porzingis to start the 2026-27 NBA season, and head coach Steve Kerr will have even thinner front court depth on opening night. According to Danny Emerman of The SF Standard, the Dubs have ruled center Charles Bassey out for Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Bassey was listed as questionable on the injury report with knee tendinitis heading into the day. It seems Bassey was unable to make enough progress to play.

In 17 games (16 starts) with the Santa Cruz Warriors last season, Bassey averaged 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game on 61.0%/40.5%/.65.9% shooting. In eight NBA games, he averaged 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds on 62.5% shooting from the field in 6.6 minutes per game (15.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.4 steals per 36 minutes).

Given his impressive G-League line, and a positive impression he made with Golden State down the stretch last season, Bassey re-signed a one-year deal with the Warriors. During the preseason, with Porzingis out, Bassey was the clear third center behind Al Horford and Draymond Green. With Bassey sidelined, rookie two-way big man Graham Ike will likely crack the rotation. Rookie first-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg may also see a few minutes as the small-ball five.