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Chance McMillian Seizes Opportunity in Summer League to Prove He Belongs with Warriors After ankle surgery sidelined him last year, Chance McMillian returns to summer league with a mission to earn a roster spot with his hometown Golden State Warriors.
The 25-year-old guard showcases his point guard skills and improved decision-making, drawing on G League experience and childhood inspiration from Stephen Curry and Baron Davis.
Chance McMillian, a 25-year-old guard for the Golden State Warriors, is making a strong impression during the California Classic Summer League.
Born and raised in the East Bay, McMillian grew up idolizing Stephen Curry and Baron Davis.
He attended Curry's basketball camp in 2009 when Curry was a rookie.
Now, McMillian is determined to secure a roster spot with the Warriors, the team he has always supported.
After ankle surgery sidelined him for all of summer league as a rookie, McMillian is back and eager to showcase his skills.
He describes himself as a perpetual motion machine, constantly moving to find open space for his shot, which he has refined through thousands of hours of practice.In the first quarter of a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, McMillian shot past defender RJ Melendez, demonstrating his quickness and shooting prowess.
His smooth jumper, honed over years of practice, is his key to staying in the NBA.
McMillian's journey has not been easy.
After recovering from ankle surgery, he spent the entire season in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where the coaching staff transformed him into a floor general.He averaged 5.1 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to run the offense.
Summer league head coach Khalid Robinson praised McMillian's growth, noting that the hours in the gym have paid off.
Robinson said the staff taught McMillian spacing and decision-making, and he carried those lessons into summer league.
With Pat Spencer leaving for Phoenix and several roster spots open, McMillian has a clear opportunity to earn a two-way contract or remain in Santa Cruz as a call-up option.His performance on the court has been impressive, including a drive against Tyon Grant-Foster in the fourth quarter of the Spurs game, and a shot over Lakers defenders Anton Watson and Peter Suder.
McMillian said, 'To be your primary ballhandler and just continuing to build on my quick decision-making, and obviously being able to knock down the open shot would help too.' This quote reflects his focus on developing his point guard skills.
McMillian's versatility is evident on the court.
He can score at all three levels, as noted by second-year center Lachlan Olbrich, who played 37 NBA games as a rookie.
Olbrich described McMillian as an agile and quick player.McMillian is adamant that his future lies as a point guard in the NBA, emphasizing his improved ball-handling and decision-making.
However, he acknowledges that his smooth jumper remains his key asset.
In summer league, McMillian has shown patience and poise, running the offense effectively.
The Warriors' system often involves split cuts, where guards like McMillian receive passes from frontcourt players like Olbrich.This chemistry is developing well.
McMillian also draws on his high school background at St.
Patrick-St.
Vincent and Bethel, where he was a three-time Tri-County Athletic League MVP as a point guard before transitioning to an off-ball role in college.
Now, he is back to his natural position, honed through G League experience.
As McMillian continues to prove himself, he represents a hopeful story of perseverance and local talent aiming to make it big with his hometown team.The Warriors organization and fans are watching closely to see if this Vallejo native can earn a lasting spot in the NBA.
His camp with Curry at age 10 remains a cherished memory, fueling his drive to join the league and follow in his idols' footsteps.