The Golden State Warriors have largely finalized their roster ahead of training camp, having recently signed the likes of Brandon Williams, Georges Niang and Dalen Terry.
However, the Warriors still have a decision to make on 54th overall pick Lajae Jones who could still fill the teams third two-way contract after some promising signs during summer league.
Warriors still have to make final call on Lajae Jones
There were immediate reports straight after the Warriors selected Jones that he could be a draft and stash prospect, and that he could go and play overseas where the young wing could play considerable minutes and develop before returning to Golden State in the coming years.
While that could still take place, Jones is 22 and did play three years of college basketball where the averaged 12.7 points 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals on 42.7% shooting from the field and 32.5% shooting from 3-point range with Florida State last season.
Jones had a minor role in Golden State's Summer League championship, largely coming off the bench during his nine combined appearances at the California Classic and in Las Vegas. Jones showed some signs that he could be a future NBA player, averaging 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in only 17.1 minutes per game, though his shooting numbers remained at a modest 41% from the floor and 25% from 3-point range.
If they haven’t already, the Warriors will need to decide if they’ve seen enough to justify giving Jones a two-way contract or going with another young player like Graham Ike who was the team's starting center in summer league, having impressed many with his interior impact on both ends of the floor.
Warriors opt against signing Lajae Jones for tax savings
There was a chance Golden State could’ve signed Jones to the main roster if they needed a cheap second-round contract on the books to provide some tax savings, or if they were pushed hard against the first/second apron.
That didn't prove to be the case after the Warriors missed out on LeBron James and others, leaving the ability to sign a pair of minimum contract players to fill out the roster as they eventually did with Niang and Williams.
Even if Jones does land the third two-way deal alongside LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons, don't expect to see much of him with the main squad as the Warriors prioritize his development in the G League with Santa Cruz.
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