Warriors Decide on Final Play-In Spot: Bassey, Williams, or Cryer?
The Golden State Warriors left their roster unchanged on Sunday. That decision kept Charles Bassey on the active roster for the upcoming play-in and potential playoff games.
Roster deadline and eligibility
NBA rules bar two-way players from postseason rosters. Teams could not complete roster changes after Sunday’s deadline. That meant Nate Williams, LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons remained on two-way deals and became ineligible for the postseason.
Why the final spot mattered
The team could have released Bassey to convert a two-way contract into a standard deal. Instead, Golden State chose to keep the 25-year-old center on the roster. The move preserved depth for the play-in game.
Bassey’s recent form
Bassey signed a standard contract with Golden State on April 5. He shined in the season finale against the Clippers, scoring 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting in 19 minutes.
In five games with the Warriors, he averaged 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he projects as a backup center for next season.
Playing time and lineup fit
Bassey might see limited minutes in the play-in game. He has, however, played in two-big lineups with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis recently. That pairing increases the chance he sees a few minutes if needed.
Two-way players’ outlook
Nate Williams finished his stint with Golden State averaging 8.0 points. He shot 43.3 percent from three across 14 games. At 27, Williams cannot sign another two-way deal and would need a standard contract to remain in the league next season.
LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons signed two-year two-way contracts this season. That structure makes them likely to return next year unless the Warriors free a slot. Cryer connected on 37 of 94 three-point attempts and projects as a near-lock to come back.
Leons offered defensive versatility more than offensive polish. His skill set could develop into a greater role over time.
Roster implications for next season
The Warriors currently have six players under guaranteed standard contracts for next season. That leaves the offseason open to many possible moves. Williams could attract free-agent interest from Golden State. Cryer and Leons look positioned to remain in the organization.
Coverage of the decision and its fallout will continue at Filmogaz.com. Conversations around who filled that final spot often focused on whether Bassey, Williams or Cryer offered the best path forward.
