Warriors stand to benefit from NBA tweak

In a move that could provide the Warriors with additional roster flexibility, the NBA plans to lift restrictions for two-way contract players during this pandemic-affected season, according to The Athletic.

The revision, which is pending approval by the NBA and the players’ association, would eliminate the 50-game limit for twoway contract players in the regular season and also allow those players to be eligible for the playoffs.

This is an important development for the Warriors and rotation forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, who has 27 NBA games remaining under his two-way contract. With the March 25 trade deadline looming, Golden State had faced a roster decision in order to add Toscano-Anderson to the 15-man roster.

In 21 games (12 starts), Toscano-Anderson is averaging 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 20.1 minutes.

If the rule change is approved, the Warriors won’t need to make a move, which likely would have led to second-year forward Alen Smailagic being waived or traded. Instead, Toscano-Anderson can freely play out the season with Golden State and contribute if the team makes the playoffs.

This will also apply to rookie point guard Nico Mannion, who was recalled from the G League by Golden State on Monday. CURRY IN 3-POINT CONTEST >> The league leader in 3-point shooting, Warriors guard Stephen Curry will participate in the 3-point contest during the NBA’s scaled-down All-Star weekend.

Curry, 32, leads the league with 164 3-pointers and is shooting 41.3% from distance this season. Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Chicago’s Zach LaVine, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also will participate.

The competition will take place prior to the AllStar Game on Sunday in Atlanta. In a move to protect players during the coronavirus pandemic, the league decided to condense the annual All-Star weekend showcase into a single night.

Curry, who was named an All-Star starter last month, last won the 3-point contest in 2015. He fell short in his past two tries in 2016 and 2019.

GREEN BACK >> Warriors forward Draymond Green will play in tonight’s game at Portland, according to head coach Steve Kerr.

Green, who sprained his left ankle during Sunday’s loss to the Lakers, was a full participant in Golden State’s practice in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

In 30 games, Green is averaging 5.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists in 29.4 minutes.