But, the short-term memory of Speights has given the former Florida Gator the ability to look past his mistakes, the criticism, the critiquing and even the disapproval from fans of last season and turn in an impressive second-year campaign as the Warriors roll on to a 7-2 record.
The need for a scorer in the frontcourt is especially crucial with the absence of David Lee, and Speights has stepped up in every way. “Mo’s like our designated spark plug,” Steve Kerr said after their win against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. “I love this guy.”
What’s not to love as of late?
Every role player has bad plays, stretches of games, slumps and moments where it doesn’t seem they really fit with their particular system. Speights had all those moments and more in his first season with the Warriors. It was disheartening, most of all for himself.
After a missed shot, assignment or bad foul, Speights would visibly show frustration over the error. While most players would keep that to himself, he wasn’t shy to display his anger about the miscues.
Many were frustrated with him.
Heading into this season, not much was expected from the forgotten frontcourt-mate. With the return of Festus Ezeli from injury, would Speights be needed as much as he was last season? Can the Warriors get by with Speights on the team? Would he be ready to contribute this season if his name was called?
He’s answered all those questions in a mere seven games this season. With Ezeli struggling to find a rhythm early, Speights has come in and shot 61% from the field, played rugged defense and has continued to help on the glass.
Speights has earned every minute this season, according to Kerr. He’s simply been rolling and has outplayed Ezeli in this early portion. Can it last? That’s still to be seen, but this team is playing well in large part due to the improved bench which includes a revived Speights.
You’re not a failure until you stop trying. If you have no other testimony you have this one: “I’m still here.”
— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) October 24, 2014
He’s still here, and now he’s making his presence known.
If Speights can give the Dubs consistent play while on the floor, he could be a huge plus that nobody was expecting. I am still concerned about what happens if Bogut and Ezeli get hurt again and miss time, since O’Neal is gone, and Kuzmic is not ready for prime time. Speights is hardly a permanent answer at the 5 hole.