The Golden State Warriors have officially waived guard Daeqwon Plowden, as announced by the team. Plowden had initially signed a two-way contract with the Warriors on July 16, 2023, but his time with the team has come to an end.
During his stint with the Warriors, Plowden participated in both the California Classic and the Las Vegas Summer League. Over the course of eight games in these competitions, he delivered solid performances, averaging 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 21.1 minutes of play. His contributions on the court showcased his potential, though it appears the Warriors have opted to move in a different direction.
Plowden’s journey to the NBA has been unconventional. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft following his collegiate career at Bowling Green State University, he continued to chase his NBA dream through the G League. Over the past two seasons, he has played for the Osceola Magic and the Birmingham Squadron, two teams in the NBA’s developmental league. In 91 games, 22 of which he started, Plowden averaged 10.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 23.8 minutes per game.
Despite not being selected in the draft, Plowden has proven himself to be a versatile player with solid performances in the G League. His scoring ability and athleticism were evident during his time with Osceola and Birmingham, where he established himself as a reliable contributor off the bench. His time in the G League allowed him to gain valuable experience and improve his skills, which ultimately led to his opportunity with the Warriors.
The two-way contract that Plowden initially signed with Golden State was a chance for him to further prove himself at the NBA level. Two-way contracts allow players to split their time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate, offering an opportunity to develop while still being available for NBA games. However, the Warriors have decided to waive Plowden, signaling that they are likely exploring other options to fill the two-way slot on their roster.
Plowden’s release may come as a disappointment to some, given his strong showings during the Summer League. His 14.6 points per game over eight contests reflected his scoring potential, and his ability to contribute on the boards with 4.4 rebounds per game showed his versatility. Nonetheless, roster decisions in the NBA can be fluid, and teams often need to make tough choices as they prepare for the regular season.
While Plowden’s time with the Warriors has come to an end, he is still a player with potential. His experience in the G League, combined with his solid performances in Summer League play, may make him an attractive option for other NBA teams or G League affiliates looking to bolster their roster. Additionally, it’s possible that Plowden could return to the G League to continue developing his game and earn another shot at the NBA in the future.
In the meantime, the Warriors will move forward with other roster plans as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team is known for its emphasis on player development, particularly through the use of two-way contracts, and will likely be searching for the next player to take advantage of that opportunity. For Plowden, this latest setback may simply be another step in his ongoing pursuit of a long-term NBA career.
To summarize, Daeqwon Plowden has been waived by the Golden State Warriors after initially signing a two-way contract in July 2023. He made a positive impact during his time with the team, particularly in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across eight games. Despite going undrafted in 2022, Plowden has built a respectable career in the NBA G League, and while his journey with the Warriors has ended, his potential may lead to future opportunities in the NBA or elsewhere.