The Golden State Warriors have signed Graham Ike to a two-way contract, significantly reducing the chances for second-round draft pick Lajae Jones to join the NBA roster this season. Jones was selected 54th overall in June’s draft and played nine games during the summer league, contributing to the Warriors' championship run. However, with Ike now on board, it appears Jones is no longer in the team's plans, especially after missing out on a two-way contract himself.
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The signing of Ike comes as no surprise, given that reports after Jones’ draft indicated he could be a draft-and-stash prospect. Ike’s strong performance in the summer league and the Warriors' need for additional center depth, particularly for veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, further confirms Jones's exclusion from the roster this season. Jones' future with the team is uncertain; he could potentially play for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, allowing the organization to monitor his development. Alternatively, Jones might explore options overseas, which could provide him a more lucrative start to his professional career.
During summer league, Jones averaged 7.0 points and 3.4 rebounds over 17.1 minutes per game but struggled with shooting, hitting just 41% from the field and 25% from three-point range. The role of two-way players is typically to develop while splitting time between the G League and the main squad. However, the Warriors are prioritizing players who can contribute in rotation roles, given their aging and injury-prone roster. Ike, along with LJ Cryer and Malevy Lyons, meets that requirement, with Cryer in particular expected to compete for significant minutes even when the team is healthy. While Jones showed potential at summer league, his development path may limit his immediate impact in the NBA.