In a bold, eyebrow-raising move that’s got the NBA buzzing, the Golden State Warriors are shaking up their roster midseason by signing G League sensation LJ Cryer to a two-way contract. The news, first dropped by ESPN’s Anthony Slater, comes with a tough cut: Jackson Rowe, another two-way player, has been let go to clear the spot. This isn’t just any swap—it’s a high-stakes gamble on raw talent that’s already turning heads.
Cryer, a sharpshooting dynamo, has been lighting up the Santa Cruz Warriors with jaw-dropping numbers. In just seven games, he’s been dropping 24.3 points, dishing out 6.1 assists, and grabbing 4.9 rebounds per contest. That’s not just solid—it’s superstar potential waiting to explode. Meanwhile, Rowe put up respectable stats in his five outings: 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. Solid, sure, but nowhere near the fireworks Cryer is delivering.
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Golden State’s backcourt is already stacked to the brim—think Curry, Thompson, and a slew of guards fighting for minutes. Adding another 6’0″ playmaker like Cryer might seem like overkill at first glance. But dig deeper, and the strategy shines through: this is all about locking down elite talent before rivals swoop in. Cryer’s production screams “future star,” and at just 23, he’s got years of upside compared to the 27-year-old Rowe.
Sure, Rowe brings size at 6’6″ and the versatility to guard multiple spots—a handy tool in Steve Kerr’s defensive schemes. But talent wins out here. Cryer’s scoring prowess and playmaking edge make him the clear upgrade, even if it means sacrificing some height. The Warriors aren’t messing around; they’re building for dominance, not just depth.
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Rowe never sniffed the court this season, so Cryer’s immediate role is no sure thing. With Seth Curry now in the mix and De’Anthony Melton ramping up for his debut, the guard logjam is real. Opportunities could be scarce in the Bay.
That said, don’t count him out yet. Injuries have plagued Golden State early on, opening doors for two-way guys like Pat Spencer, who’s already logged 166 minutes across 13 games. If the injury bug bites again—or if Kerr needs a spark—Cryer could be the answer. And boy, is he ready: draining an absurd 5.1 threes per game in the G League, this kid’s a certified sniper. When (not if) he gets his shot, expect buckets in bunches, even if they’re fleeting.
From College Glory to G League Domination: Cryer’s Rise
Cryer’s journey is the stuff of hoops dreams. As a freshman at Baylor, he rode the bench but still hoisted a national championship trophy—a taste of glory that fueled his fire. He stuck with the Bears for two more years, boosting his scoring to 13.5 and then 15.0 points per game, honing his skills in a powerhouse program.
Transferring to Houston for his final two seasons, Cryer elevated his game further, averaging 15.5 and 15.7 points. His crowning moment? A heroic 26-point explosion (8-of-14 shooting, 6-of-9 from deep) to upset Duke in the national semifinals. He followed it with 19 points in the title game, but Houston fell short by two to Will Richard and the Florida Gators.
Now, with the Warriors betting big on him, Cryer isn’t just a prospect—he’s a potential game-changer. This midseason shake-up could be the spark Golden State needs to reclaim their throne. Stay tuned; the Bay Area just got a whole lot more electric!