With the need for more size in the starting lineup, Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors turned to a rookie in Friday night's home opener at Chase Center against the Memphis Grizzlies. In a matchup with 7-foot-4 Zach Edey and No. 3 overall draft pick Carlos Boozer, Kerr made a change to the starting lineup on Friday against the Grizzlies, sending out rookie Graham Ike in the starting front court alongside Draymond Green.
After being named a third-team All-American and WCC Player of the Year at Gonzaga, Ike went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. After the draft, Ike signed with the Warriors, playing in the Summer League with the Warriors as well. Ike signed a two-way contract with the Warriors in September.
In his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, Ike played 12 minutes off the bench, scoring eight points, grabbing two rebounds and adding a block, steal and assist.
Alongside fellow rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, Ike and Lendeborg became the first rookie duo to start a home opener for the Golden State Warriors since the 1970-71 season.
Graham Ike and Yaxel Lendeborg are the first rookie duo to start a Warriors home opener since at least 1970-71. pic.twitter.com/LXYM11pNBz
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 24, 2026
In his first start, Ike tallied 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field to go along with two boards, an assist and a steal in 10 minutes against the Grizzlies. Ike showed his ability to knock down a shot from long distance, hitting a pair of 3-pointers on two attempts from beyond the arc.
With Kristaps Porzingis unavailable and the Warriors thin in the frontcourt, Ike could continue to see an expanded role in Steve Kerr's rotation.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors rookie Graham Ike gets first NBA start vs. Grizzlies