NBA contract update: Warriors add promising 24-year-old 6-foot-9 Summer League standout
Graham Ike has turned a strong Summer League run into a real NBA opportunity. The Golden State Warriors are signing the 24-year-old forward-center to a two-year, two-way contract, according to league sources cited by ClutchPoints. Ike went undrafted in June but quickly gave Golden State a reason to keep him around after helping the team win the Summer League championship in Las Vegas. His production, physical style and ability to play within Golden State's system have now earned him the team's final two-way spot.
Warriors sign Summer League standout Graham Ike to final two-way spotThe Warriors have signed Graham Ike to a two-year, two-way contract after his eye-catching Summer League performance earned him a place on Golden State's roster plans. The deal fills the team's final two-way opening, joining LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons in those spots.
The 6-foot-9 forward’s numbers explain why Golden State decided to keep the former Gonzaga big man. He averaged 10.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and one block in 21.2 minutes across 10 Summer League games, according to ClutchPoints. He was part of the group that guided the Warriors to the championship in Las Vegas.
His best performance came in the semifinal win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Ike posted 16 points and 11 rebounds as Golden State secured a place in the championship game. The Warriors went on to finish the Summer League with the title, giving the undrafted forward a strong platform to make his case.
The contract also fits what Ike believed was possible when he joined Golden State. He said the Warriors' style appealed to him because of their spacing, continuity and freedom within their offensive sets.
“This was the first option, and when I heard it, my agent and I, we made a mutual agreement that this was the best decision for me based off just the way that they play, the culture here, and just the organization that is whole, and such good people that are in this organization,” Ike said (via ClutchPoints).
He also understood that earning a place in the NBA would require more than simply waiting for an opportunity.
The Warriors have now given him the opportunity he was looking for.
What Ike’s signing means for the WarriorsIke's signing gives Golden State another young big man behind a frontcourt that includes veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. The move also reflects the Warriors' reported preference for two-way players who can offer more than development minutes and potentially help the main roster when injuries create openings.
Golden State now appears set to keep Jones outside the NBA roster for the immediate future. One path would be a season with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, allowing the organization to continue tracking his development. Playing overseas is another possibility mentioned in the report.
For Ike, the situation is very different. He entered the summer as an undrafted player looking for a way into the NBA. He leaves it with a two-way contract and a chance to prove he belongs in Golden State's plans. The next opportunity will be his to earn.
Warriors sign Summer League standout Graham Ike to final two-way spotThe Warriors have signed Graham Ike to a two-year, two-way contract after his eye-catching Summer League performance earned him a place on Golden State's roster plans. The deal fills the team's final two-way opening, joining LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons in those spots.
The 6-foot-9 forward’s numbers explain why Golden State decided to keep the former Gonzaga big man. He averaged 10.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and one block in 21.2 minutes across 10 Summer League games, according to ClutchPoints. He was part of the group that guided the Warriors to the championship in Las Vegas.
His best performance came in the semifinal win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Ike posted 16 points and 11 rebounds as Golden State secured a place in the championship game. The Warriors went on to finish the Summer League with the title, giving the undrafted forward a strong platform to make his case.
The contract also fits what Ike believed was possible when he joined Golden State. He said the Warriors' style appealed to him because of their spacing, continuity and freedom within their offensive sets.
“This was the first option, and when I heard it, my agent and I, we made a mutual agreement that this was the best decision for me based off just the way that they play, the culture here, and just the organization that is whole, and such good people that are in this organization,” Ike said (via ClutchPoints).
He also understood that earning a place in the NBA would require more than simply waiting for an opportunity.
The Warriors have now given him the opportunity he was looking for.
What Ike’s signing means for the WarriorsIke's signing gives Golden State another young big man behind a frontcourt that includes veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. The move also reflects the Warriors' reported preference for two-way players who can offer more than development minutes and potentially help the main roster when injuries create openings.
Golden State now appears set to keep Jones outside the NBA roster for the immediate future. One path would be a season with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, allowing the organization to continue tracking his development. Playing overseas is another possibility mentioned in the report.
For Ike, the situation is very different. He entered the summer as an undrafted player looking for a way into the NBA. He leaves it with a two-way contract and a chance to prove he belongs in Golden State's plans. The next opportunity will be his to earn.
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