Warriors officially sign 24-year-old G-League star to help Stephen Curry
The Golden State Warriors have officially bolstered their backcourt rotation, making a strategic move to provide immediate support for Stephen Curry and the rest of the roster. On Tuesday, the organization announced the signing of 24-year-old guard LJ Cryer to a two-way contract, a decision driven by his explosive performance in the G-League and the team's need for reliable perimeter scoring.
Cryer, a standout product from the University of Houston, has been nothing short of sensational for the Santa Cruz Warriors to start the season. In seven appearances, he has averaged an eye-popping 24.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while playing 34 minutes per game. His offensive production made him undeniable, forcing the front office to clear a roster spot and bring him up to the main squad. Cryer is already familiar with the system, having spent time with Golden State during the preseason before being waived in mid-October.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Cryer fits the archetype of the undersized but lethal scoring guards that have historically thrived under head coach Steve Kerr. During his senior collegiate season, he knocked down 42.4% of his three-point attempts, a skill set that translates seamlessly to the Warriors' spacing-oriented offense. His ability to create his own shot and operate effectively in ball-screen situations provides the second unit with a dynamic spark plug.
This transaction arrives during a busy week for the franchise. Just 24 hours prior to the Cryer announcement, reports surfaced that the Warriors had reunited the Curry family by signing Seth Curry to a rest-of-season deal. The addition of Cryer further insulates the backcourt, providing insurance against injuries and offering youthful energy as Stephen Curry navigates the rigors of the regular season.
While the two-way designation limits the number of NBA games Cryer can play, his promotion signals the organization's confidence in his readiness to contribute immediately. With the Western Conference standings tighter than ever, finding a "diamond in the rough" like Cryer could be the marginal advantage Golden State needs to keep their momentum alive.
Cryer, a standout product from the University of Houston, has been nothing short of sensational for the Santa Cruz Warriors to start the season. In seven appearances, he has averaged an eye-popping 24.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while playing 34 minutes per game. His offensive production made him undeniable, forcing the front office to clear a roster spot and bring him up to the main squad. Cryer is already familiar with the system, having spent time with Golden State during the preseason before being waived in mid-October.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Cryer fits the archetype of the undersized but lethal scoring guards that have historically thrived under head coach Steve Kerr. During his senior collegiate season, he knocked down 42.4% of his three-point attempts, a skill set that translates seamlessly to the Warriors' spacing-oriented offense. His ability to create his own shot and operate effectively in ball-screen situations provides the second unit with a dynamic spark plug.
This transaction arrives during a busy week for the franchise. Just 24 hours prior to the Cryer announcement, reports surfaced that the Warriors had reunited the Curry family by signing Seth Curry to a rest-of-season deal. The addition of Cryer further insulates the backcourt, providing insurance against injuries and offering youthful energy as Stephen Curry navigates the rigors of the regular season.
While the two-way designation limits the number of NBA games Cryer can play, his promotion signals the organization's confidence in his readiness to contribute immediately. With the Western Conference standings tighter than ever, finding a "diamond in the rough" like Cryer could be the marginal advantage Golden State needs to keep their momentum alive.
