The Golden State Warriors dropped a move that looks like typical training camp fare, but fans need to pay attention to Dalen Terry. The former No. 18 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft signed an Exhibit 10 contract, and while that usually means Santa Cruz, there is more here than meets the eye. Dalton Johnson called it a “nice upside swing,” and for a 24-year-old with his pedigree, it absolutely is.
A Wildcat’s Chance at Redemption
Terry, a 6-foot-6 point guard who just turned 24 in July, was a first-round talent back in 2022, plucked by the Chicago Bulls after two years at Arizona. And look, the Warriors front office clearly has a thing for Arizona players, right? From legends like Gilbert Arenas and Andre Iguodala to Luke Walton and Nico Mannion, plus Richard Jefferson, Jud Buechler, Tom Tolbert, and the unforgettable Chris Mills, there’s a clear pipeline. Terry now gets a shot to impress Wildcats legend Steve Kerr, which is pretty cool. Terry’s main calling card is his defense, where his ridiculous 7-foot-1 wingspan allows him to absolutely wreak havoc on the perimeter. He is a decent passer and playmaker, too. That kind of defensive potential is why a guy like this gets a look, even on an Exhibit 10.
The Uphill Battle and What to Watch For
Here’s the real talk, though: Dalen Terry’s path to the main roster is an uphill climb. He is not two-way eligible because he has already played four NBA seasons, so the G-League is the most probable destination. While he was a part-time lead guard in college, he has struggled to develop that role in the pros, often stuck playing shooting guard despite a shaky shot. Yeah, he shot 41.3 percent from distance in 2024-25 on 1.3 attempts, but that looks like an anomaly, not a trend. His shooting is inconsistent, he has been prone to turnovers, and his free throw shooting cratered to a brutal 53.3 percent last season, though it was only on 30 attempts. With Georges Niang and Brandon Williams already holding partially and non-guaranteed spots, it is a longshot for Terry to jump them unless his shot has truly transformed.
So, what is the play here? Training camp is where Terry has to absolutely stand out. Watch for his defensive intensity and whether his shot looks even remotely improved. If he can show out in preseason, maybe, just maybe, he turns a longshot into something more than a G-League opportunity.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
Leave a Reply