Warriors Release 24-Year-Old NCAA Champion Guard in Surprising Move
In a surprising move, the Golden State Warriors have released 24-year-old guard LJ Cryer ahead of the new NBA season. This decision follows the team’s final roster announcements as they prepare for the opening night.
Details of the Release
The Warriors’ announcement, made on Saturday, also included the waiver of Seth Curry. Cryer, a former NCAA champion with Baylor, was a late addition to the Warriors’ roster after signing on September 29, 2023. He participated in five preseason games, where he demonstrated notable capabilities.
- Preseason Performance: Averaged 5.0 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game.
- College Background: Played at the University of Houston, unselected in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- Championship Win: Won an NCAA championship with Baylor in 2021.
- Career Averages: Scored 13.5 points per game with a field goal percentage of 42.7% and 41.3% from beyond the arc.
Path to the Warriors
Cryer showcased his high-level shot-making skills during college. Although not a prominent scorer in his freshman year, he improved significantly as a sophomore. His prowess caught the attention of the Warriors, leading to a training camp deal after the NBA 2K26 Summer League.
One of his standout moments came during a remarkable comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers. Cryer scored 14 points while hitting 80% of his shots from the field and 100% from three-point range.
Looking Ahead
Despite his promising preseason performance, the Warriors ultimately decided against including Cryer in their opening night roster. This decision suggests that the competition for roster spots remains fierce as the team heads into the 2025-26 season.
Cryer will now seek opportunities elsewhere in the league as he aims to continue developing his professional career.
