Gui Santos’ NBA Salary: Overpaid or Underestimated Brazilian Prodigy?

After a solid performance with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he averaged over 12 points and 6 rebounds, the Brazilian was elevated to the Golden State roster. Yet, despite a modest debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder with just 2 points, Santos began to turn heads in a match against the Brooklyn Nets. His 9 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal in that game earned him high praise from Coach Steve Kerr, who admired Santos’ hustle and knack for creating opportunities.

Not stopping there, Santos also garnered praise from teammate Brandin Podziemski. Podziemski lauded him for his impact during the second quarter of a critical game, stating, “Without him, we probably lose. His energy sparked us and was key to our victory.”

Yet, as the 2023 season wrapped up with Santos averaging over 3 points per game and shooting impressively from the field, including a 37% accuracy from beyond the arc, some wonder if he’s more than just a fleeting player. With Klay Thompson’s departure, could Santos secure a spot in the regular rotation?

Amid these speculations, Santos has been representing Brazil on the international stage, showcasing his talents in the Olympics. Averaging over 7 points and 2 steals per game, he’s proving his worth on a global scale. However, his Olympic journey has not been without controversy. Draymond Green, known for his candid remarks, bluntly stated, “The Brazilians stand no chance. They’ll lose by 35 to 40 points.”

Green’s comment might sting, but it also serves as fuel for Santos. As the Brazilians prepare to face Team USA, the underdogs, including Santos, face an uphill battle. Could this be the moment Santos steps into the spotlight and proves his doubters wrong?

With his future brimming with potential, Gui Santos’ journey from rookie to Olympic contender is nothing short of riveting. Whether he can turn the tide against Team USA remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the young Brazilian is not backing down without a fight.