The Golden State Warriors gifted themselves optionality even with their signings of Brandon Williams and Georges Niang to, presumably, fill their 14th and 15th roster spots.
It was announced afterwards that Niang was signed to a partially-guaranteed deal, while Williams was signed to a non-guaranteed contract— which will become partially-guaranteed if he makes the opening night roster. Their decision to follow this up by signing Dalen Terry on an Exhibit-10 deal for training camp makes it clear that there will be a competition to see how these final spots shake out.
But the intrigue doesn't end there. Although LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons are currently signed to two-way deals, the door is open for summer league standout Graham Ike to challenge for one of the three spots.
Golden State also still hasn't signed second-round selection Lajae Jones. If they want competition, bringing both Ike and Jones in for training camp can help provide that.
The Warriors' roster competition shouldn't stop with Niang, Williams, and Terry
With the sheer injury history and age of the Warriors' current roster, they'll need all hands on deck over the course of this upcoming campaign. That increases the importance of Golden State's decision between Williams, Terry, and Niang, but it also makes their final decisions on their two-way contract spots significant as well.
LJ Cryer should be a lock for one. He was one of the standouts of summer league, averaging 14 points, 2.2 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 41.3% from beyond the arc across his eight appearances. If Golden State needs additional backcourt help at any point this season, he could prove to be a valuable piece.
That leaves a potential competition between Ike, Leons, and Jones for the final two spots. Ike, at the very least, deserves that opportunity.
He was the Warriors' starting center in Summer League, averaging 10 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while converting 48.4% of his field goal attempts. His offensive upside outside of the low post is limited, but he provides a traditional big man skill set that could provide valuable depth to Golden State's rotation.
Although they have Charles Bassey in the fold, both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will almost certainly need to miss some time during the regular season. Having Ike on a two-way contract, as opposed to someone like Leons with limited offensive upside, could grant them some much-needed flexibility at the position.
Of course, both Leons and Jones have a case to make the final roster. Leons looked much more comfortable and confident in Summer League, and Jones provides an intriguing 3-and-D skill set with his lengthy frame and perimeter defense.
But if the Warriors want competition and optionality, giving Ike a chance to compete on a training camp deal may be their best move.
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