The Golden State Warriors' roster is now largely set in stone heading into the season.
Of course, there's still a decision to be made between Brandon Williams and Dalen Terry for the 15th roster spot. Georges Niang could theoretically be replaced as well because of the structure of his contract, but that feels highly unlikely. The same goes for any of the players on two-way contracts. Although there are a number of players that have been brought in on Exhibit-10 deals, it feels like LJ Cryer, Malevy Leons, and Graham Ike will hold onto their spots heading into the regular season.
It's time, then, to start seriously discussing how the rotation could unfold over the course of the season.
Of Golden State's two-way assets, Cryer has the clearest path to a real role. He's a capable 3-point shooter and, in spite of his height, a tenacious on-ball defender. If anyone in the Warriors backcourt, such as Gary Payton II, falls flat from an offensive perspective, Steve Kerr could easily turn to Cryer to give this team a boost.
The second-year guard simply needs to carry over his momentum into training camp and the preseason to capitalize upon such an opportunity.
LJ Cryer could be a real asset for the Warriors on a two-way contract this season
Here's the construction of the Warriors backcourt as it stands. Either Brandin Podziemski or De'Anthony Melton will start next to Stephen Curry. At this point, it feels like Melton is the obvious choice given his defensive fit next to Golden State's superstar. That likely leaves Podziemski taking on bench scoring minutes as a two guard next to Brandon Williams. Gary Payton II will bring up the rear, perhaps playing some minutes as a small forward depending on the Warriors' bench configuration.
On the surface, that doesn't leave significant minutes for Cryer.
But this Warriors team will need additional 3-point shooting off the bench. Al Horford's efficiency from beyond the arc dropped to just 36.1% last season as he was limited by various injuries. Will Richard hit just 33.5% of his 3-point shots. Payton shot 29.1%. Gui Santos shot 35.1%, but he's going to need to produce over the course of an entire campaign before we can fully buy in on that level of production.
The bench isn't full of non-shooters, but there's not really anyone with the pure, sharpshooter upside that Cryer possesses. He was a real standout in Summer League, averaging 14 points, 2.2 rebounds, and four assists while knocking down 41.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Based on his statistical profile in college, there's reason to believe he's capable of hitting that mark in real NBA play.
Cryer isn't likely a high-volume ball handler or playmaker, and that could hurt his chance at minutes over the course of the season—especially if Williams is able to cement himself as the Warriors' true second point guard behind Curry. But Golden State's options were limited this offseason in terms of their bench additions. They simply weren't able to go out and get a true, knockdown shooter to help keep the offense afloat when Curry is off the floor.
In that regard, then, Cryer could be a major asset. He simply needs to continue to prove himself to Kerr and the rest of the coaching staff when Golden State enters training camp on Sept. 29.
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