Warriors Sign, Then Waive Rookie Ja’Vier Francis While Retaining G-League Rights
The Golden State Warriors made headlines this week with a swift turn of events regarding rookie forward Ja’Vier Francis. In a news release on Monday afternoon, the franchise proudly announced the signing of Francis, along with guard Chance McMillian and forward Jacksen Moni, in preparation for training camp.
However, the excitement was short-lived. Just over five hours later, the Warriors issued another announcement, this time stating that they had waived Francis ahead of the upcoming season. This rapid decision reflects the often unpredictable nature of roster management in the NBA.
Impressive College Performance
Francis, a 6-foot-8 talent from New Orleans, Louisiana, had a noteworthy collegiate career with the University of Houston. He played a crucial role in the Cougars’ thrilling run to the 2024-25 NCAA Tournament, showcasing his skills in a high-pressure environment. While he wasn’t the primary low-post scorer, Francis exhibited a keen sense for selecting his moments, demonstrating patience and strategic play.
On the defensive end, Francis was a standout, leveraging his size and instincts to rank second on his team in blocks per game. Over the course of the season, he averaged 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and one block per game, all while shooting an impressive 60.8% from the field during Houston’s deep tournament run.
Despite his strong performance, the 21-year-old was not selected during the NBA Draft, leaving him with the hope of securing a Summer League opportunity. Fortunately for Francis, the Warriors came calling.
Summer League Showcase
Francis participated in the NBA 2K26 Summer League, where he made his presence felt despite limited playing time. In a standout performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 19, he recorded averages of 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 63.6% from the floor. This showing undoubtedly caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, highlighting his potential.
Future with the G-League
While Francis will not be joining the Warriors’ main roster this season, the franchise has opted to retain his G-League rights. This decision opens the door for him to continue his development with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he can gain valuable experience and further hone his skills in professional basketball.
As the Warriors navigate their roster decisions, Francis’s journey exemplifies the rollercoaster nature of an aspiring professional athlete’s career, filled with both setbacks and opportunities.
