The Golden State Warriors have signed NBA Summer League standout Daeqwon Plowden to a two-way contract, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Plowden, who went undrafted in 2022, received high praise from the Warriors’ Summer League coach Anthony Vereen after scoring 19 points in their 90-73 win over the Phoenix Suns on July 13.
“He’s shown that he should be in the NBA,” Vereen said. “These guys are really showing they’re right on the cusp of where they want to be. The way he plays so hard, aggressively on both ends. He doesn’t take a play off, it’s a pleasure as a coach to watch him put himself in a better position.”
Plowden shot an efficient 8 of 12 from the field, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, continuing his impressive scoring run from the California Classic, where he averaged 17 points per game for the undefeated Warriors.
Two days later, Plowden scored 14 points in the Warriors’ 92-82 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Vereen was particularly impressed with Plowden’s constant movement, a skill that will thrive in the Warriors’ system under Steve Kerr.
“Within the flow of the game, if you’re going to be a role player at the next level, they’re not going to run plays for you,” Vereen said. “To have a guy be so efficient and effective without a play being called for him, to do the dirty things and the small things, he’s showing that he can play a role in the NBA.”
Plowden’s off-ball movement was evident right from the start.
“I feel like the way I eat is within the flow of everything, and tonight we were just flowing,” Plowden told reporters.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. was courtside when Plowden shone against the Suns.
“He’s really been impressive,” Dunleavy said. “He just picks up on things quickly and obviously, he shoots the ball well here.”
Before earning his contract, Plowden focused on playing freely.
“I try not to think about it too much, I feel like if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen,” Plowden said. “It’s going to happen from me going out there and showcasing what I can do within the organization, and how the organization is ran. I feel like me thinking about that is going to put a lot more pressure on me, and right now I’m just out there playing free.”
Plowden joins Reece Beekman and Pat Spencer as the Warriors’ two-way players. While they are expected to spend most of the season with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, they are all eligible to be rostered in 50 regular-season games.
