The energy around the Golden State Warriors' front office is definitely buzzing as the NBA Draft edges closer. With the big night set for June 26 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Golden State is turning Chase Center into a testing ground for rising stars looking to impress. This time around, it’s Houston’s LJ Cryer, Indiana’s Trey Galloway, and Texas’s Arthur Kaluma who are getting their shot in the Bay.
Now, let's break this down — it’s not just about big names anymore. It’s about fit, hustle, versatility, and poise. And that’s exactly the lens Golden State seems to be using as they evaluate second-round potential. After all, they only have one pick — No. 41 overall — so they’ve gotta make it count.
👀 Who’s in the Spotlight This Week?
On Wednesday, all eyes are on three players bringing unique flavors to the table:
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LJ Cryer (Houston) – The 6'1" scoring guard transferred from Baylor to Houston in 2023 and didn’t miss a beat. Cryer became the offensive backbone for the Cougars, averaging a solid 15.7 points per game in his senior year while shooting a sharp 42.4% from downtown. That kind of sniper efficiency is exactly the kind of skill set the modern NBA drools over, especially off the bench.
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Trey Galloway (Indiana) – Talk about consistency. The 6'4" shooting guard stuck it out at Indiana for four years, showing steady growth each season. In his senior campaign, he put up 10.6 points, dished out 4.6 assists, and pulled down nearly 3 boards a game — all while logging over 33 minutes a night and shooting nearly 47% from the floor. He’s the kind of mature, smart player that doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game.
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Arthur Kaluma (Texas) – Kaluma might not have the name recognition of some one-and-done stars, but scouts are starting to really appreciate his tools. A versatile forward with length and athleticism, Kaluma has the kind of build and skillset that can switch across multiple positions — something the Warriors absolutely love in their system.
🔥 Why This Workout Matters
Let’s be real — when you’re picking 41st, you're not banking on a superstar. But that doesn’t mean you can’t land a gem. Remember Draymond Green? Jordan Bell? Second-rounders can make serious noise if they land in the right environment.
Golden State has proven over the years that they know how to develop talent, especially guys who understand their role and buy into team-first basketball. So this pre-draft workout isn’t just a formality — it’s a huge opportunity for someone to make a lasting impression on a championship-savvy front office.
And with the Warriors potentially facing roster shakeups — looking at you, CP3 and Klay — there might actually be some legitimate playing time up for grabs. That adds a whole different kind of edge to these sessions.
🏀 A Look Back at Cryer’s Journey
LJ Cryer came into the spotlight as part of Baylor’s championship squad but really turned heads after transferring to Houston. In two seasons with the Cougars, he evolved into a go-to scorer. He’s quick, shifty, and can flat-out shoot — not to mention his deep ball efficiency was elite.
He also earned third-team All-American honors last season while helping Houston make a serious run to the title game. That’s not just production — that’s production under pressure.
With Stephen Curry getting older and the Warriors’ offense needing more perimeter threats, someone like Cryer could slot into a dynamic role right away.
🎯 Galloway’s “Glue Guy” Reputation
Trey Galloway probably isn’t the kind of prospect who’s going to dazzle you with step-back threes or flashy dunks. But he brings a high IQ, court vision, and an old-school approach that’s hard not to love.
Over his four years at Indiana, Galloway grew into a reliable leader who could defend wings, make the right pass, and occasionally take over in crunch time. His ability to play on or off the ball adds a layer of flexibility that Steve Kerr’s offense thrives on.
Think of him as a younger, grittier Shaun Livingston type — not the flashiest player, but one who just gets the game.
📈 Kaluma’s Upside and Raw Tools
Kaluma might be the biggest wildcard of the trio. His physical profile and flashes of brilliance at Texas have caught the attention of multiple teams, but he’s still polishing his game.
He’s a 6'7" forward with a 7-foot wingspan, and when he locks in defensively, he can switch 1-through-4 easily. His shot’s still a work in progress, but the mechanics are there. If the Warriors want a long-term project with a potentially high ceiling, Kaluma checks that box.
🏗️ Draft Strategy at 41: Depth, Versatility, or Trade Chip?
With just one second-round pick in their pocket, Golden State’s decision at 41 will say a lot about their offseason blueprint. Are they going for instant rotation help, betting on a sleeper, or possibly even grabbing a trade chip to package later?
Bringing in experienced college players like Cryer and Galloway suggests the Warriors might be prioritizing NBA-ready production over raw potential. Then again, Kaluma’s inclusion shows they haven’t ruled out high-upside options either.
The broader question is — how much will this pick actually matter given the team’s cap situation and aging core? One way or another, it’s going to be a critical decision for the front office.
🎤 The Bigger Picture
Pre-draft workouts don’t usually make headlines, but this phase of evaluation is where future fan favorites are often discovered. For every top-5 pick that flops, there’s a second-rounder somewhere waiting to prove the doubters wrong.
And with the Warriors looking to transition into their next chapter while still staying competitive, this year’s draft — even at No. 41 — could be more impactful than it seems on paper.
Let’s not forget, Golden State’s dynasty was built on smart drafting and player development. Just because they’re no longer picking in the lottery doesn’t mean they’re not thinking big.
So, as the countdown to June 26 ticks away, don’t sleep on the second-round stories. Cryer, Galloway, and Kaluma might just be names worth remembering.
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