Pre-Draft Outlook
With the 28th pick, teams rarely find a player of Tony Parker’s caliber, let alone Jordan Poole’s. But the Warriors will still try in hopes they can add and develop more youth around the team’s championship core. In staying true to the old adage with picking the best talent available, the Warriors can’t go wrong adding another point guard, wing or big man. Though the Warriors have a complete roster, they also can always use added depth to maximize Stephen Curry’s prime and enhance the team’s positional versatility.
A Stat that Matters
3, 2 — The Warriors were the only team that ranked in the top three in both effective field goal percentage (55.2%, third) and opponent effective field goal percentage (50.9%, second). This was the fifth time in the last eight years that they’ve ranked in the top three in both, with all other franchises (Milwaukee twice, San Antonio once) doing just three times over that stretch.
The Way to Go
Beggers can’t be choosers pertaining to late first-round and second-round picks. Ideally, though, the Warriors are better off finding a serviceable wing and big man with their three picks. Andre Iguodala might retire after this season, and the Warriors may eventually need to trade Andrew Wiggins both to relieve a looming luxury tax bill and collect more assets. Golden State is currently committed to second-year center James Wiseman, but the verdict remains undecided on how durable he can become.
Under Contract
G: Stephen Curry
G: Klay Thompson
G: Jordan Poole
G: Moses Moody
F: Draymond Green
F: Andrew Wiggins
F: Jonathan Kuminga
C: James Wiseman
Free Agents
G: Gary Payton II (unrestricted)
G: Chris Chiozza (restricted)
G: Quinndary Weatherspoon (restricted)
G/F: Andre Iguodala (unrestricted)
G/F: Damion Lee (unrestricted)
F: Kevon Looney (unrestricted)
F: Otto Porter Jr. (unrestricted)
F: Nemanja Bjelica (unrestricted)
F: Juan-Toscano Anderson (restricted)
Last year’s Draft
2021: Jonathan Kuminga (7), Moses Moody (14)
— Mark Medina