Nobody saw this coming.
When the season started, nobody could have predicted that on Oct. 29 in Chicago, Alfonzo McKinnie -- as a member of the Golden State Warriors -- would register 19 points and 10 rebounds.
In early September, McKinnie agreed to a non-guaranteed training camp invite. The assumption was that he would end up in Santa Cruz.
So when did Steve Kerr first hear the name Alfonzo McKinnie?
"I think it was a couple days before training camp and we're getting ready to start camp and I see the list of guys who have been invited," the Warriors' head coach explained to Damon Bruce of 95.7 The Game. "We always have six or seven extra guys who come to camp and occasionally there's one spot open and there's a competition for that spot.
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"Sometimes we know there's no spots available. So this year, with Patrick McCaw not showing up, we knew there was an open competition for one spot and that's when I first heard Alfonzo's name."
Through eight games, the 26-year old is averaging 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in about 12 minutes per apperance. He's shooting just under 53 percent overall and is 8-for-14 from 3-point range.
"I had no idea he would be this good," Kerr added. "He's just seized this opportunity. It's been amazing to watch."
McKinnie's performance against the Bulls on Monday was extra special because he grew up in Chicago and was making a homecoming. And to make things even better:
Alfonzo McKinnie said his day in Chicago, his hometown, started in a special way before the game when he signed some papers to get his mom a house.— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) October 29, 2018
"We had a team dinner after the game, and our players are always allowed to bring family and friends to these dinners," Kerr added. "So I met Alfonzo's family -- his mom and dad. And to know that story and think about what they were thinking in the stands ... this is incredible. What a story."
Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller
