The Warriors’ two-way picture got a little messier on Wednesday with Alex Toohey back in the mix, and now Golden State has a handful of names fighting for three spots.
Toohey, a 2025 second-round pick, spent last season on a two-way deal before a knee injury ended his year. Golden State let him go and used that opening on Malevy Leons, but Toohey’s return gives the front office another decision to make.
LJ Cryer and Leons are both already on two-year, two-way contracts from last season, though that doesn’t lock them into those spots for this year. Terry is out of two-way eligibility entirely, so his path to the roster runs through a standard contract. That means he’d have to beat out Brandon Williams in camp badly enough to force the Warriors to cut Williams, something they can do without any penalty since he’s on a non-guaranteed deal.
Toohey is still in the conversation because Golden State liked him enough to take him with the 52nd pick, but he’s a difficult fit to project right now. His knee recovery remains a question, and the numbers from last season didn’t help his case.
In six summer league games, he averaged 6.8 points while shooting 26.2 percent from the field. In two G League games, he put up 7.0 points and shot 35.7 percent.
Then there are the Exhibit 10 guys, Ike and Smith, who signed contracts that can turn into a bonus if they spend two months with the Sea Dubs. Both are trying to climb into two-way territory.
Smith has a tougher road because he’s behind Cryer in the pecking order. The Warriors did keep Pat Spencer and Cryer on two-ways last season, so carrying two point guards there again isn’t out of the question. Still, the more likely outcome is that Golden State uses two of those three slots on wings, even after Smith’s strong summer league title game showing.
Ike may have the cleaner path. The Warriors have reason to worry about their center rotation getting banged up again, and that gives him a real chance. If I were the GM, I’d give him a two-way, but I suspect the Dubs will value having more wing depth with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody out.
Jones, the 54th pick, is also in the conversation. His summer league wasn’t especially strong, but Golden State probably won’t want to let a draft pick walk before he even gets a chance with the G League club. He’s also interesting enough that another team would likely jump in if the Warriors don’t give him a two-way deal.
Leons remains a familiar name in the mix after appearing in 25 games for Golden State last season, even with a wrist injury on his shooting hand for part of that stretch. Steve Kerr has already praised his defensive versatility and energy, and the swing factor for him is still the three-point shot. In summer league, he hit just 26.3 percent of his threes.
That’s the glaring issue, but the experience he picked up last year may work in his favor. Kerr could want to keep him around because he’s the kind of wing/forward who can step in when needed.
Cryer looks like the safest bet of the group to keep forcing his way into the picture. Shooting is his calling card, and he showed that with Golden State last season and again in summer league.
At 6'0", he’s never going to be a shutdown defender, but he’s sturdy enough and smart enough to hold his own some. Expect him to be called up often this season, with his shooting and gravity giving the Warriors something they can use.
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