It is hard to find a better point guard in America than Houston guard L.J. Cryer.
This year is the graduate student playmaker’s last go-around in college basketball, but he very well could have a bright future in the NBA. Where could he be selected during this summer’s NBA Draft?
Where Will L.J. Cryer End Up?
The 2021 national champion could have plenty of teams interested in him when the NBA Draft rolls around. Here are the top five landing spots for the star ball-handler.
Golden State Warriors
Yes, PG Steph Curry is still doing “Steph Curry things” in the Bay Area. However, he is 37 years old, and head coach Steve Kerr doesn’t have much talent on the roster behind him.
Drafting an experienced, play-making point guard in Cryer could be the move for the Warriors—especially if Curry retires soon.
Indiana Pacers
While PG Tyrese Haliburton is hitting crazy shots left and right as he keeps the Pacers organization afloat, could they be interested in adding a player who could handle more of the point guard responsibilities?
If they drafted Cryer, Haliburton could focus more on scoring. Plus, PG T.J. McConnell isn’t a long-term solution at point guard, either.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets pride themselves on being one of the NBA’s top defenses, and Cryer is one of the country’s better defensive guards.
While current Rockets guard Fred VanVleet is experienced, he isn’t much of a scorer. Cryer is a more complete player, which is why it would make sense for him to stay close to home in “H-Town.”
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers’ best ball-hander is PG James Harden, who is more of a scorer than anything else at this point in his career. He is also 35 years of age, so his future is always up in the air.
Adding Cryer in the NBA Draft could give the team an experienced, two-way point guard for years to come.
New Orleans Pelicans
While SG C.J. McCollum is one of the league’s most serviceable backcourt players, he is 33 and likely not the future in the “Crescent City.”
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Cryer could make the short trip to New Orleans and learn how to play the NBA game from McCollum, the former NBA Most Improved Player.
While teams continue to crunch Cryer’s highlight tapes, he’ll continue to make showstopping performances as he leads the Houston Cougars on the run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. They are widely believed to be a one- or two-seed.
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