In a stunning turn of events, the Golden State Warriors have parted ways with 24-year-old NCAA champion guard LJ Cryer, shattering expectations just before the 2025-26 NBA season tips off. The announcement, which also included the release of guard Seth Curry, was made public in a sobering news release on Saturday afternoon, leaving fans and analysts reeling from the franchise’s ruthless roster decisions.
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“The Golden State Warriors have waived guards LJ Cryer and Seth Curry,” the team declared in their latest statement, confirming the end of Cryer’s brief but promising stint with the organization.
Cryer, a 6-foot guard from New Orleans, Louisiana, brought an undeniable spark to the Warriors’ preseason. Appearing in five games, he averaged 5.0 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in just 9.6 minutes per game. His standout performance came in a miraculous comeback victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he erupted for 14 points, shooting an impressive 80% from the field and a perfect 100% from beyond the arc. The display showcased his elite shot-making ability, a skill that had already turned heads during his collegiate career.
A 2021 NCAA champion with Baylor, Cryer carved out a reputation as a sharpshooter at the University of Houston after going unselected in the 2025 NBA Draft. Over his college career, he averaged 13.5 points per game, shooting 42.7% from the field and an exceptional 41.3% from three-point range. His scoring prowess and clutch performances made him a coveted undrafted free agent, earning him a training camp deal with the Warriors following a solid showing in the NBA 2K26 Summer League.
Despite his flashes of brilliance, the Warriors’ front office made the cold-blooded decision to exclude Cryer from their opening night roster. The move signals the franchise’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection as they finalize their lineup for the upcoming season. While Cryer’s time with Golden State has come to an abrupt end, his talent and potential suggest this is far from the final chapter of his professional journey.
For now, Cryer must look elsewhere to continue his NBA dream, leaving Warriors fans to ponder what could have been from the dynamic young guard who briefly lit up their preseason.