FIVE-HOUR FIASCO: Warriors Stun Bay Area Fans with Unprecedented Move, Signing a 6-Foot-8 Rookie Forward Only to Abruptly Waive Him Hours Later. What Went Wrong?
In a stunning turn of events, the Golden State Warriors announced on Monday afternoon at 1:33 p.m. that they had signed free agent forward Ja’Vier Francis, along with guard Chance McMillian and forward Jacksen Moni, to training camp deals. However, just five hours and 37 minutes later, the franchise dropped a bombshell, revealing they had waived Francis well before the opening night of the NBA season.
A Rising Star’s Journey
Ja’Vier Francis, a 6-foot-8 rookie forward from New Orleans, Louisiana, made waves during Houston’s electrifying 2024-25 NCAA Tournament run, which culminated in a national championship appearance. While not a primary low-post scorer, Francis showcased his basketball IQ by patiently waiting for the right opportunities to make an impact. His efficiency was evident, as he connected on an impressive 60.8% of his field goals across 38 games, averaging 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and one block per game.
Defensively, Francis stood out as a formidable presence, using his length, instincts, and ball-tracking skills to rank second on the Houston Cougars in blocks per game. His contributions were integral to the team’s success, despite not being a focal point of the offense.
A Missed Opportunity on Draft Night
Despite his solid collegiate performance, the 21-year-old went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, leaving him to seek opportunities through Summer League deals. The Golden State Warriors gave Francis a chance to prove himself, signing him to participate in the NBA 2K26 Summer League. Although he appeared in only one game, Francis made it count. Facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 19, he delivered a standout performance, posting 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks while shooting an efficient 63.6% from the field.
A Fleeting Moment with the Warriors
The Warriors’ initial decision to sign Francis to a training camp deal sparked optimism that the young forward could carve out a role with the franchise. However, the swift reversal—waiving him just hours later—left fans and analysts alike shocked. The move underscores the harsh realities of the NBA, where roster spots are fiercely competitive, and decisions can change rapidly.
A Silver Lining in the G-League
Despite the abrupt end to his time with the Warriors’ main roster, there’s still hope for Francis’ professional career. According to CBS Sports, Golden State will retain his G-League rights, paving the way for him to likely spend his first professional season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the team’s G-League affiliate. This opportunity could allow Francis to continue developing his skills, showcasing the same patience, defensive prowess, and efficiency that defined his collegiate career.
What’s Next for Ja’Vier Francis?
While being waived so quickly after signing is undoubtedly a setback, Francis’ journey is far from over. His Summer League performance demonstrated his potential to contribute at the professional level, and the G-League offers a platform to refine his game further. With his length, defensive instincts, and ability to capitalize on opportunities, Francis could still find his way back to an NBA roster in the future.
For now, the Bay Area bombshell serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where dreams can be deferred in the blink of an eye—but opportunities for redemption are never far away.