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From SFGate:

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LATEST, 11:05 a.m. Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob appeared on ESPN's "First Take" Wednesday morning, and stated his team likes at least two prospects at the top of the draft, but has not ruled out a trade.

"We only need to like two players with the number two pick, and if one of them we like is there — and one of them will be there and we do like at least two players — we're likely to take that player," he said. "We of course could entertain a trade if it could benefit our team."

Later in the interview, Lacob said the team is looking for "size, athleticism and physicality," invoking the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. Some on the internet thought Lacob was strongly signaling the team is likely to take Memphis center James Wiseman.

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> @anthonyVslater

· 36m

Get the increasing sense that the big swing factor tonight at the top of the draft is whether the Hornets hop from 3 to 1 to secure Wiseman. Could have a domino effect.

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Sounds intriguing, but I'd still go with Wiseman. I'm getting more sold on Wiseman as the draft nears. We've done so well with Bogut, Zaza, Mcgee types and I'm thinking we can definitely beef up our wings with role players. Getting Carter and a 4th pick seems like average to me instead of exceptional.

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Also, for what it's worth (not much), Deadspin thinks the Warriors should draft Wiseman: https://deadspin.com/the-other-29-teams-in-the-nba-should-be-doing-everythin-1845701030

I admit the potential is dazzling.

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Nov 18, 2020Liked by Duby Dub Dubs

Interesting... intriguing.... but what the hell do I know. In Bob I trust.

Guess we will find out pretty soon how things shake out. I'm trying to figure out if I want to watch live or not.

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Count me in. Depending on which direction the first pick goes we just have to hope the Bulls would do this.

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Only 6'9" (like Chriss) but has some serious strength. Is that enough to bang with the big boys inside? If the W's don't love Wiseman, then jump on this, because here is your post muscle to take some pressure off Draymond. Draft the best player you can (prob a perimeter player) at #4, and STILL have the MLE and Trade exception to get a guard and a wing that can contribute now.

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Fascinating possibility and definitely one of those trades where we might not know for years who actually got the better end of the deal. It can even be a win-win if the Bulls draft Wiseman and he takes a few years to develop into an all-star while WCJ becomes a dependable rotation player for the winning-now Dubs.

If I'm in Bob's spot I think I make this trade regardless of who Minny picks #1, but maybe extra so if they take Wiseman?

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Ooooooh yes. Sign me up. I think there's a good argument that Carter is basically at the same level prospect as Wiseman/Okongwu and is a better fit.

Why? He's good (maybe not great) at all the stuff you'd want a modern C to do. Scoring at the rim. Protecting the rim. Perimeter switching. Rebounding. I actually like his jump shot more than the other two.

What makes him an intriguing Warriors fit is he's a much better screener and passer than Okongwu or Wiseman. It's a bit of an odd comp. But he's a little like a Zaza style C just with much more scoring talent and athleticism. Not hard to see how that would fit well.

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I would do this trade every time as whatever his limitations, Carter has shown enough to prove he is an NBA player right now, he is only 20, isn't due a ton of money for then next 2 years, and there is going to be a good prospect available at 4. Heck, maybe the Warriors can do this deal, and then trade the #4 for the Knicks #8 and #23 and grab Vassell or Haliburton and a flyer as well.

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Warriors should insist on adding Smailagic into the deal lol. Carter is a year older than him and way better than he is, so just consider it an upgrade on that roster spot. Otherwise, Looney/Chriss/Carter/Smailagic starts to become a bit of a logjam for a roster that needs more wing talent.

It might hurt Kent Lacob's feelings though, so it won't happen.

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After watching months of Wiseman highlights where he is 3 and a half feet above the rim, it's a little disappointing to see highlights of a 6'9" center with "decent" athleticism. I feel like the shiny new distraction in Wiseman makes it hard to look at anyone else objectively. I would love to get a David West type player, but not sure if that is Carter. I think it was DDD that said Bob is building a contingency plan and this is just part of it. "Trust in Bob" covers pulled up tight. This should be interesting....

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This could have real legs. WCJ is better than Chriss and Looney. He is not a 3pt shooter and won't stretch the floor, but what a rim protector he is! I would love to see him be the replacement for Draymond in the future. His rebounding skills are better than Draymond's and his athleticism and motor are very high. A Duke product. Solid fundamentals. I would strongly consider this one. OTOH, is he better than Okongwu? He's got 2 years in the NBA and is definitely ready to rock. I like him a lot. Ask Chicago to throw in another player into the deal. Can't hurt.

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It looks like WC has zero range, but is already an effective defender at the NBA level. Guy could get a lot of buckets with the Warriors passing.

I'm not really sold on Wiseman. I mean, serious question: if WCJ was in this draft, where does he go?

You pick up WCJ and Tyrese or Deni and all of a sudden you've got the makings of a good young core. Plus Minny's pick next year.

But I suck at college player evaluations.

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Having not watched a single minute Bulls basketball last season(other than those clips...thanks!) he seems like the guy the Warriors wanted our dearly departed Damien Jones to become. The high comp to Jordan Bell is a little troubling (and the flexing after sweet plays as if the clock went off is Bell-esque). That being said, picking up a young guy on a rookie contract at the expense of a couple of guys you didn’t want to draft anyhow is a G-move, even if the guy seems a little redundant to Chriss and Looney.

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Nov 18, 2020Liked by Duby Dub Dubs

People forget that Wendell Carter was considered a transformational talent at his position just two years ago. If it is between him and Wiseman Plus pickup the 4, I'd do trade everytime. If it's between him and Lil' Edwards I'll take Edwards and his rapping skills Plus a Goon type Center in Free Agency

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