Yaxel Lendeborg may have stolen the spotlight during the Warriors’ run to the Las Vegas Summer League championship, but several other young players also boosted their stock over the course of the summer, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.
Undrafted guard LJ Cryer continued to prove he can score at a high level after appearing in 18 NBA games as a rookie last season.
He averaged 14.0 points while shooting 44 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point range, adding 4.0 assists per game.
However, Poole noted that Cryer’s defensive limitations remain a concern despite his offensive production.
Second-round rookie Lajae Jones also showed encouraging signs. After a relatively quiet start in the California Classic, he found his rhythm in Las Vegas and finished the tournament on a stronger note.
Fellow rookie Will Richard, a first-round selection in 2025, also impressed with noticeable physical development and increased confidence.
Poole believes those improvements could help Richard earn a larger role during his second NBA season.
Center Graham Ike displayed his size and physicality around the basket throughout Summer League, consistently battling in the paint.
Still, Poole considers him a long shot to secure a spot on Golden State’s regular-season roster despite his solid effort.
Warriors Notes: Cryer, Jones, Richard, Ike, Thompson, Preseason Schedule https://t.co/VlE4xsjlsq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 20, 2026
