As the NBA offseason heats up, the Golden State Warriors have been connected to veteran guard Collin Sexton in free agency. However, the franchise may not need to pursue the 27-year-old at all. A younger, cheaper, and surprisingly effective alternative is already on the roster in second-year guard LJ Cryer.
While Cryer doesn’t perfectly mirror Sexton’s game, the two share notable similarities in physical build and role as compact, scoring-oriented point guards capable of supporting Stephen Curry. For a Warriors team seeking additional backcourt depth and playmaking insurance, Cryer’s emergence offers a compelling in-house solution.
Cryer Seizes His Opportunity
Undrafted in 2024, Cryer impressed during Summer League with the Warriors before signing a two-way contract in early December. Limited opportunities early in the season gave way to meaningful minutes when injuries — particularly to Stephen Curry — created openings in the rotation. The 24-year-old made the most of those chances during Golden State’s challenging campaign.
In 18 appearances, Cryer averaged more than 16 minutes per game, posting 8.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while shooting a strong 39.4% from three-point range on over five attempts per game. He stood out as the team’s most reliable shooter when Curry and his brother Seth were sidelined, providing a level of floor-spacing and shot-making that was otherwise missing from the roster.
A Cost-Effective Comparison
Cryer may not match Sexton’s elite downhill attacking ability and burst toward the rim, but he compensates with elite volume from beyond the arc. Sexton has posted a respectable 38.9% career three-point percentage, yet Cryer has already shown the willingness and ability to fire at a higher clip.
Both players are undersized — Cryer at 6’1″ — which naturally creates defensive limitations. However, each possesses a sturdy, compact frame that allows them to compete more effectively than their height suggests. This shared physical profile means the Warriors would not be sacrificing much in terms of matchup toughness by leaning on Cryer instead of bringing in Sexton.
Future Outlook: Retain and Develop
While Cryer’s rookie production may not yet justify a full standard NBA contract, he has done more than enough to earn retention on a two-way deal. With five years of college experience under his belt, the 24-year-old is more polished than the typical undrafted rookie and could carve out a reliable bench role next season — particularly spelling Curry during rest nights or injury absences.
The bigger strategic question for Golden State’s front office is roster construction. Adding another undersized guard in Sexton might create redundancy, especially if they can develop Cryer into a serviceable contributor. The team may ultimately benefit more from targeting a bigger, more versatile ball-handler to complement their backcourt rather than doubling down on similar profiles.
How aggressively the Warriors pursue Sexton will likely hinge on his asking price in free agency. Given the promising alternative already sitting on their bench, the front office has little incentive to overpay for the former lottery pick. Retaining LJ Cryer could prove to be the smarter, more economical path forward as the Warriors look to build sustainably around Stephen Curry.