With no big moves in free agency so far, prospects on the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League roster may feel they have a unique opportunity.
The dream opportunity to land a spot on the Golden State Warriors next season is up for grabs, with Summer League underway.
Second round draft pick Will Richard has already made an impression, scoring 16 points on his debut.
But he was overshadowed in a narrow loss to the Spurs, with undrafted prospect LJ Cryer scoring 19 points to lead the Warriors in scoring.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesLJ Cryer impresses for the Warriors
LJ Cryer has begun both Warriors’ Summer League games on the bench, and has made a valuable contribution so far.
He posted 8-2-2 against the Lakers, before going 19-1-2 against the Spurs. He was particularly impressive from three point range, shooting 5-7 from beyond the arc.
So who is LJ Cryer? The 23-year-old was an undrafted rookie in this year’s draft class, but impressed the Warriors in workouts, signing an Exhibit 10 deal.
The 6ft 1″ point guard played for the Houston Cougars in college for two years after three with Baylor. His team fell agonizingly in the NCAA Finals to the Florida Gators, which featured Warriors teammate Will Richard.
Speaking to The Daily Cougar after his Warriors workout, Cryer says he knows he has to impress on the defensive side of the ball in addition to just his shooting.
He said: “Everyone knows I can shoot the ball pretty well, so that’s something that comes easy.
“It’s just about being able to get your teammates involved and going out there and just playing super hard on the defensive end.”
Warriors beat Lakers to LJ Cryer
On his shooting alone, LJ Cryer has a chance to make the Warriors roster in the future. He led the Big 12 Conference for three point efficiency in 2024-25, with 42.4 percent.
Following the draft, Chancellor Johnson posted on X that the Warriors held off competition from the Lakers, Raptors and Wizards for his signature.
It has not taken him long at all to show what he can do. Speaking to Hoops HD about his knack for efficient shooting, he explained there is no luck involved.
He summed up: “Hard work. I put up reps on reps on reps, and had a coach who gave me the ultimate confidence to go out there and shoot the rock.”
He has the mindset to succeed, adding: “I have seen guys who did not get drafted but ended up doing very well in the league, so I am willing to do whatever it takes to break the door down.”