With the Golden State Warriors navigating a storm of injuries over the past couple of months, the spotlight has turned to some of their lesser-known players. LJ Cryer is one such name, and he's making a compelling case that he belongs on the NBA stage.
Cryer has stepped up in three games, delivering performances that have caught the eye. His standout moment came against the Houston Rockets, where he scored 12 points in an overtime victory that might just be the Warriors' upset of the season.
LJ Cryer: A Rising Star in the Warriors' Lineup
Following his heroics against Houston, Cryer contributed solid minutes in a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder and added 11 points in a loss to the Utah Jazz. In both games, he was a rare offensive spark for the team.
Head coach Steve Kerr has certainly noticed Cryer's efforts, opting to give him more playing time over Pat Spencer in the game against Utah. In the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, Cryer's continued performance will be crucial. If he can maintain his current form, he could carve out a more permanent role, even as other players return to health.
Cryer’s journey to this point is noteworthy. He honed his skills at Baylor University and the University of Houston, emerging as one of college basketball's elite three-point shooters. In his final year at Houston, he boasted a remarkable 42.4% success rate from beyond the arc, outshining his two-point accuracy.
Despite going undrafted last year, the Warriors saw potential and signed him to a two-way contract. He's been lighting it up in Santa Cruz, averaging 24.5 points per game and maintaining over 40% from three-point range.
The big question now is whether Kerr will integrate Cryer more consistently into the rotation. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a knee injury, the Warriors are in dire need of offensive firepower. Cryer might just be the reliable three-point threat they need during this challenging period.
Though his NBA journey is just beginning, the 24-year-old is proving he can hit threes at this level, continuing a trend that has defined his career. Keep an eye on Cryer; his story is one of perseverance and potential, and it’s unfolding right before our eyes.