Summer basketball is weird. It’s a mix of desperate hopefuls, overhyped lottery picks, and a whole lot of missed layups. But if you’re a fan of the Dubs, the Golden State summer league isn't just filler content while you wait for October. It is the actual laboratory where the next era of the dynasty gets poked and prodded.
I’ve watched these games for years. Honestly, the vibe at Chase Center during the California Classic is completely different from the glitz of the Las Vegas showcase. It’s more intimate. Grittier. You’re literally feet away from scouts scribbling on clipboards, trying to decide if a kid from a mid-major can actually handle a pindown screen from a 250-pound center.
The Chase Center Prelude
Most people think Summer League is just one big tournament in the desert. It's not. For the Warriors, it usually starts at home. Hosting the California Classic at Chase Center has become a tradition that gives local fans a first look at the new guys before they disappear into the Vegas heat.
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In 2025, we saw the seventh annual iteration of this. It featured the Warriors, Lakers, Heat, and Spurs. It’s a round-robin style tune-up. No trophies. Just reps. The Warriors actually started off strong in July 2025, taking down the Lakers 84-80. It was one of those classic "third-quarter Dubs" performances where the young guys suddenly remembered how to move the ball.
Then, they hit a wall. They lost a heartbreaker to the Spurs, 90-88, despite a late-game surge. This is where you see the raw reality of the Golden State summer league experience. One minute, LJ Cryer is looking like a microwave scorer off the bench, and the next, there’s a fumbled pass that leads to a transition dunk for the other team. It’s messy. It’s loud. And for the coaching staff, it’s incredibly revealing.
Who Actually Showed Up?
The 2025 roster was an interesting blend. You had guys like LJ Cryer and Ja’Vier Francis coming out of the Houston program—players who already know how to defend. That’s the "Warriors way," even if the roster is technically temporary.
Look at the stats from the Las Vegas stretch. Chris Manon was arguably the most consistent body out there. He averaged about 11 points and 5 rebounds over five games. He isn't a flashy "Sportscenter" highlight reel, but he was always in the right spot.
Standout Performances from the 2025 Circuit:
- Gabe Madsen: He went off for 22 points against the Utah Jazz. Six threes. When he gets hot, he has that "gravity" that the Warriors’ system craves.
- Alex Toohey: The kid from Australia is intriguing. He’s 6'8", mobile, and doesn't seem rattled. He put up 15 points in that Jazz win and showed he could handle the physicality of the NBA pace.
- Isaiah Mobley: A veteran in this environment. He brought some much-needed poise to a roster that occasionally looked like it was playing at 100mph with no brakes.
The Vegas Grind and the Reality Check
Vegas is where the real evaluation happens. The Warriors went 2-2 in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League. They had a rough 106-73 blowout loss to Portland that reminded everyone how quickly things can go south when you don't have a primary playmaker on the floor.
But then they bounced back. They beat the Jazz 103-93.
It’s easy to get caught up in the box scores, but the front office is looking for specific traits. Can you play "0.5 basketball"—meaning, can you make a decision in half a second? Do you pass, shoot, or drive? If you hold the ball for three seconds in a Steve Kerr-inspired system, you’re basically invisible to the scouts.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Summer Stats
Don't be the person who thinks a guy averaging 25 points in Vegas is the next superstar. Kevin Knox II averaged nearly 36 points per 48 minutes in the 2024-25 Summer League cycle. He’s a talented player, but those numbers are inflated by the sheer volume of shots available in a chaotic environment.
The real winners of the Golden State summer league are the guys who prove they can be "connectors."
Take a look at Jackson Rowe. He didn't lead the team in scoring every night, but his defensive rating was consistently among the best on the squad. He’s 28-29 years old, a "summer league vet," but his value lies in the fact that he knows how to play winning basketball without needing 20 touches. That is what earns you a two-way contract or a training camp invite.
Why This Matters for the Big Club
The Warriors are in a transition phase. We know the core is aging. The search for the "next" version of the dynasty is constant.
Every minute played in July is a data point for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the coaching staff. They aren't just looking for talent; they are looking for "Warriors DNA." That means high IQ, defensive versatility, and the ability to shoot without hesitation.
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If a player like Will Richard or Coleman Hawkins shows they can survive the defensive switches against NBA-level athletes, they suddenly become very valuable assets for the Santa Cruz Warriors or even the main roster.
Actionable Insights for the Hardcore Fan
If you want to actually track the success of these summer stints, stop looking at the "Points Per Game" column. Instead, watch these three things:
- Screen Navigation: How does the player get through a screen? If they get hung up every time, they won't last ten minutes in a regular-season game.
- Corner Three Accuracy: In the Warriors' offense, if you aren't a primary star, you live in the corners. You have to hit those.
- Communication: Watch the player's mouth, not just their feet. Are they calling out switches? Are they pointing at shooters?
The Golden State summer league isn't about winning a July championship. It’s about finding that one guy—the next TJD or Podziemski—who can actually contribute when the lights get bright in November. Keep an eye on the guys who play the right way, even when the scoreboard doesn't favor them. Those are the ones who usually stick.
Next Steps for Following the Dubs:
- Check the official NBA Summer League transaction logs in August to see which players from the Golden State roster signed Exhibit 10 or Two-Way contracts.
- Watch highlights of the Santa Cruz Warriors (G League) during the winter to see how the summer standouts are developing in a more structured system.
- Compare the defensive rotations of summer league invitees to the veterans during the first few preseason games in October to see who actually "gets" the system.