Center: Wiseman is a huge gamble. I'd rather make a play in the second round for Udoka Azubuike from Kansas.
Wings: Obi Tappan could contribute the most right away. Deni Avdija is a good mix of contribute right away and potential. Saddiq Bey from Villanova could also be a good choice, say on a trade down swap with Orlando and throw in other assets to get Aaron Gordon as part of the deal.
Guards: I know a lot of people are big on Killian Hayes but I think Tyrese Haliburton with his size and shooting is a great choice provided he bulks up a bit. Looking at the second round picks, Payton Pritchard could be a nice fit a PG
I don't think I've ever guessed correctly about who the Warriors will pick in any draft. I don't watch enough college ball to have strong opinions, but I have followed stats of players that I thought would make it in the NBA and most have turned out to be productive players. In this draft, and the coming season, the Warriors need size and toughness. The center position is crying out to be filled but the Warriors are not your typical team enamored by high priced big men or drafting big men early in the draft. They don't seem committed to the position and seem to feel they can get by with 2nd tier biggies, and even 3rd tier biggies. Bogut was the exception.
Now, they are faced with the possibility of having a #1 pick and the ability to fill the C position with it. Wiseman is intriguing. Looking at his highlight clips, they've never had a player like this, yet many don't support this pick. I think at worst, they would have another asset that could always be moved as bigs are often sought after. But I have a sneaking suspicion that the Warriors either won't pick him, or favor another player like Obi or Killian, or trade the pick to acquire a proven vet. That vet is anybody's guess. Killian seems like a stretch for the #1 pick.
I also think it is hard to dismiss Obi as not having enough D. That guy is NBA ready. Just look at him! He will make Draymond look dispensable. With an offensive package to augment the loss of KD and the poor offensive input of Draymond, he seems a top choice to me.
I am also intrigued by the Frenchman Killian with an Irish name. Our 2nd greatest need is backup PG, combo guard. This guy looks to have it all and we need scoring very badly from our bench. An aggressive scorer coming off the bench is such a tasty treat for us fans.
I can't get the idea out of my head of the Warriors being major players in the trading department. So I think they'll use the #1 pick not for themsleves but in a trade lined up already. It should be an interesting off season in any case for the Warriors.
The skillset we should be looking for are two way players that can play in any lineup. Players who can be lynchpins on D and help rebuild that side of the ball. On offense, I don't think a primary creator/scorer is necessary, but certainly want someone who can contribute efficiently off Steph and Klay with the potential to grow into more.
Yesss!! I see a fellow Killian Hayes fan!! I see that Obi Toppin isn't on your board though which has me a bit confused. He is a talented scorer who can shoot from deep and has a 7'4 wingspan combined with a solidly build body. Aka he can play at center for us. Just saying.
Toppin is 6'9 225 at age 22. He can't do much on D. Can't switch onto any decent perimeter guy, too slight to guard big C's in the post. All he offers is decent rim protection.
I'd just much rather have Okongwu. Who's bigger, so much better at everything on D, and almost as efficient on O at three years younger. It's not really a close comparison of who I'd rather have.
But oh yeah - really like Killian. I watch him play and I see basically everything to like about D'Angelo Russell's game plus maybe a smidge more burst...and crucially, much better defense. He's got good size, instincts and tenacity. He can play with either Steph or Klay, with both, or be lead ball handler with bench units that have neither. And I think he could be ready to play a role as soon as next year with upside on top.
Just to back up what i was saying. I read an article which said that he had the 7th best defensive rating in the A-10 and is 3rd in defensive win shares.
Okongwu is the same height as Toppin with a wingspan that is 3" smaller while actually being 5 pounds lighter. Granted, Okongwu is young and could still do some growing I guess (as well as definitely add some weight), but he definitely isn't bigger now. And sure, Okongwu is definitely better than Obi at defense, but in terms of offense Toppin is leagues better as a passer/dribbler/shooter. Seems odd to specify efficiency without mentioning the versatility that Toppin provides. Also, I think that Toppin's athleticism and wingspan gives him some definite upside defensively. And its not like he is terrible now.
I agree with everything you said regarding Killian.
Your information about Toppin’s wingspan is incorrect, I think. I can’t find an exact measurement online, but ESPN’s Mike Schmitz, a fairly reliable source, has him at a 7 foot wingspan and doesn’t think he has particular good size (or strength, or skill) for a center. You should check out Schmitz’s vid if you haven’t, as it lays out his strengths and weaknesses really clearly: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yxpzVO39yCc
I think the biggest issues with Obi are that he doesn’t have an NBA position defensively, and — from the Ws’ perspective — his impressive offensive skills are somewhat duplicated by Paschall and Chriss, who are both under contract, really young, and really good. If we didn’t have those guys, I might be more intrigued by Toppin.
Oh lord, this is a terrible mistake. I literally typed in Obi Toppin Wingspan, scanned the description for the first link, and saw "At 6'9", 250 pounds with a 7'4" wingspan and shredded arms, he is effective due to his presence around the basket as a low-post scorer, offensive rebounder and enforcer." The problem was, the link I was looking at was talking about Isaiah Stewart. I am so embarrassed right now.
Haha, no worries, man, I do that sh*t all the time! I actually did find one diary from Bright Side of the Sun that cited the 7-4 measurement (possibly going by the same Isaiah Stewart piece you were using, haha). But Schmitz, a couple of other sites I’ve seen and the eye test suggest 7-0-ish is more accurate. I wonder, can they do a draft combine remotely...?
I think Okongwu is 15-20 lbs heavier right now. Toppin is a better shooter and passer for sure.
But Toppin actually is bad on D. Is he good for a mid major college player? Yes. But thin, linear, bouncy athletes like him do not typically translate as good defensive players in the pro's. I don't think he'll ever be average on D, let alone good.
Maybe it is stupid, but if I had to choose I would avoid anything Ball-related anywhere close to the dubs. There seems to be less Lonzo drama lately, but it took a long time...
I think I would go with Anthony Edwards if he is available, he could just be the best one of the pack, he can play the weak 3 position of this roster and is apparently above average defender for a rookie.
Or Wiseman ? I read here and there that he is overrated and maybe nothing more than a rim runner, but if no one else really stands out, why not gamble on him ?
Anyway the front office is likely to fill the needs of this roster via free agency, so even this pick is not shipped to a rebuilding team in a trade, the rook is not likely to be a central piece of the team next year (which is a pity, just imagine the talks if it was draft 2018 or 19...)
Hey, I have kind of a follow up question. The general consensus is that trading down in the NBA draft generaly does not work out well (i.e it's better to have a high pick than 2 lower ones). Usually I think that has proven to be true. On the other hand many consider this draft to be the exception. I think I'd rather have, say, the 7th and 17th picks than the #1 this year. Thoughts?
I think that would be a great idea, but I'm not sure the partner exists. The T-Wolves have their pick and a Brooklyn pick that's projected at 16. But I don't know how likely it is that we line up another big trade with them with next year's pick in the balance.
I think all teams bar the Clippers, Bucks and maybe the Raptors would trade for the hope of selecting a starting-calibre player with star potential. Doubt trading down would be too hard. For us, it's not clear who would be a great impact pick right now over who is currently on our roster
They should draft the best player available and then trade for somebody else on a rookie contract if the player they drafted does fill a need. The biggest needs are pretty clearly another center with Looney's future very uncertain and another SF/SG, preferably a lockdown defender who can shoot just enough to not be a liability. As always, the biggest problem is the cap especially since it is almost certain to go down with the loss of this year's playoffs and the closure of the Chinese league. You would hope that the league would just keep the existing cap due to the extenuating circumstances, but given that the entire purpose of the league is to make a lot of money for the team owners, and the best way to do that is cut salary, that seems unlikely.
Agree with both and I think a good 2 way wing (even if Ender ends up living up to his #1 pick with us) is the #1 priority. You can survive the way the modern game is played w/o a great center. Basically we need to fill Andre's shoes as best we can. I don't think we can find one player, so I'm hoping to fill that spot by committee. So I hope the draft pick or whomever we trade for with it fills that need. I am very worried because, of course, this draft is weak on wings so basically I am hoping for a great trade for a young vet.
PS Eric, was your comment about letting people be wrong on the internet in reference to the XKCD comic?
“Wrong on the internet” yeah, maybe not a direct reference, but that comic has definitely helped me a few times cool off from flaming over something trivial
I'd say we're weakest at small forward, and at center. At center we need one good traditional big, unless we don't want to play that style at all and use stretch centers to torture the traditional bigs. Our players at that position have a lot to prove, although I think they have some potential. At small forward, if Wiggins pans out, we just need another 3 and D athlete with a high IQ, a 3 point shooter to give an extra option, and/or a shutdown defender.
Agreed, but center has always been the toughest position for rookies to contribute rIght away. I think they could get draft some immediate help at wing and find a decent veteran big with the MLE.
A bit late but here are my thoughts:
Center: Wiseman is a huge gamble. I'd rather make a play in the second round for Udoka Azubuike from Kansas.
Wings: Obi Tappan could contribute the most right away. Deni Avdija is a good mix of contribute right away and potential. Saddiq Bey from Villanova could also be a good choice, say on a trade down swap with Orlando and throw in other assets to get Aaron Gordon as part of the deal.
Guards: I know a lot of people are big on Killian Hayes but I think Tyrese Haliburton with his size and shooting is a great choice provided he bulks up a bit. Looking at the second round picks, Payton Pritchard could be a nice fit a PG
Toppin isn't a wing. He's got wing size, but can't guard them, and that's the problem.
Centre James Wiseman.
I don't think I've ever guessed correctly about who the Warriors will pick in any draft. I don't watch enough college ball to have strong opinions, but I have followed stats of players that I thought would make it in the NBA and most have turned out to be productive players. In this draft, and the coming season, the Warriors need size and toughness. The center position is crying out to be filled but the Warriors are not your typical team enamored by high priced big men or drafting big men early in the draft. They don't seem committed to the position and seem to feel they can get by with 2nd tier biggies, and even 3rd tier biggies. Bogut was the exception.
Now, they are faced with the possibility of having a #1 pick and the ability to fill the C position with it. Wiseman is intriguing. Looking at his highlight clips, they've never had a player like this, yet many don't support this pick. I think at worst, they would have another asset that could always be moved as bigs are often sought after. But I have a sneaking suspicion that the Warriors either won't pick him, or favor another player like Obi or Killian, or trade the pick to acquire a proven vet. That vet is anybody's guess. Killian seems like a stretch for the #1 pick.
I also think it is hard to dismiss Obi as not having enough D. That guy is NBA ready. Just look at him! He will make Draymond look dispensable. With an offensive package to augment the loss of KD and the poor offensive input of Draymond, he seems a top choice to me.
I am also intrigued by the Frenchman Killian with an Irish name. Our 2nd greatest need is backup PG, combo guard. This guy looks to have it all and we need scoring very badly from our bench. An aggressive scorer coming off the bench is such a tasty treat for us fans.
I can't get the idea out of my head of the Warriors being major players in the trading department. So I think they'll use the #1 pick not for themsleves but in a trade lined up already. It should be an interesting off season in any case for the Warriors.
My Warriors draft board is:
1st tier
1) Killian Hayes
2) Isaac Okoro
2nd tier
3) Deni Avdija
4) Anthony Edwards
5) Onyeka Okongwu
The skillset we should be looking for are two way players that can play in any lineup. Players who can be lynchpins on D and help rebuild that side of the ball. On offense, I don't think a primary creator/scorer is necessary, but certainly want someone who can contribute efficiently off Steph and Klay with the potential to grow into more.
Yesss!! I see a fellow Killian Hayes fan!! I see that Obi Toppin isn't on your board though which has me a bit confused. He is a talented scorer who can shoot from deep and has a 7'4 wingspan combined with a solidly build body. Aka he can play at center for us. Just saying.
Toppin is 6'9 225 at age 22. He can't do much on D. Can't switch onto any decent perimeter guy, too slight to guard big C's in the post. All he offers is decent rim protection.
I'd just much rather have Okongwu. Who's bigger, so much better at everything on D, and almost as efficient on O at three years younger. It's not really a close comparison of who I'd rather have.
But oh yeah - really like Killian. I watch him play and I see basically everything to like about D'Angelo Russell's game plus maybe a smidge more burst...and crucially, much better defense. He's got good size, instincts and tenacity. He can play with either Steph or Klay, with both, or be lead ball handler with bench units that have neither. And I think he could be ready to play a role as soon as next year with upside on top.
Just to back up what i was saying. I read an article which said that he had the 7th best defensive rating in the A-10 and is 3rd in defensive win shares.
Okongwu is the same height as Toppin with a wingspan that is 3" smaller while actually being 5 pounds lighter. Granted, Okongwu is young and could still do some growing I guess (as well as definitely add some weight), but he definitely isn't bigger now. And sure, Okongwu is definitely better than Obi at defense, but in terms of offense Toppin is leagues better as a passer/dribbler/shooter. Seems odd to specify efficiency without mentioning the versatility that Toppin provides. Also, I think that Toppin's athleticism and wingspan gives him some definite upside defensively. And its not like he is terrible now.
I agree with everything you said regarding Killian.
Your information about Toppin’s wingspan is incorrect, I think. I can’t find an exact measurement online, but ESPN’s Mike Schmitz, a fairly reliable source, has him at a 7 foot wingspan and doesn’t think he has particular good size (or strength, or skill) for a center. You should check out Schmitz’s vid if you haven’t, as it lays out his strengths and weaknesses really clearly: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yxpzVO39yCc
I think the biggest issues with Obi are that he doesn’t have an NBA position defensively, and — from the Ws’ perspective — his impressive offensive skills are somewhat duplicated by Paschall and Chriss, who are both under contract, really young, and really good. If we didn’t have those guys, I might be more intrigued by Toppin.
Oh lord, this is a terrible mistake. I literally typed in Obi Toppin Wingspan, scanned the description for the first link, and saw "At 6'9", 250 pounds with a 7'4" wingspan and shredded arms, he is effective due to his presence around the basket as a low-post scorer, offensive rebounder and enforcer." The problem was, the link I was looking at was talking about Isaiah Stewart. I am so embarrassed right now.
Haha, no worries, man, I do that sh*t all the time! I actually did find one diary from Bright Side of the Sun that cited the 7-4 measurement (possibly going by the same Isaiah Stewart piece you were using, haha). But Schmitz, a couple of other sites I’ve seen and the eye test suggest 7-0-ish is more accurate. I wonder, can they do a draft combine remotely...?
Anyway, take care all.
I think Okongwu is 15-20 lbs heavier right now. Toppin is a better shooter and passer for sure.
But Toppin actually is bad on D. Is he good for a mid major college player? Yes. But thin, linear, bouncy athletes like him do not typically translate as good defensive players in the pro's. I don't think he'll ever be average on D, let alone good.
Maybe it is stupid, but if I had to choose I would avoid anything Ball-related anywhere close to the dubs. There seems to be less Lonzo drama lately, but it took a long time...
I think I would go with Anthony Edwards if he is available, he could just be the best one of the pack, he can play the weak 3 position of this roster and is apparently above average defender for a rookie.
Or Wiseman ? I read here and there that he is overrated and maybe nothing more than a rim runner, but if no one else really stands out, why not gamble on him ?
Anyway the front office is likely to fill the needs of this roster via free agency, so even this pick is not shipped to a rebuilding team in a trade, the rook is not likely to be a central piece of the team next year (which is a pity, just imagine the talks if it was draft 2018 or 19...)
The type that another team wants, and will trade championship ready veterans for.
Hey, I have kind of a follow up question. The general consensus is that trading down in the NBA draft generaly does not work out well (i.e it's better to have a high pick than 2 lower ones). Usually I think that has proven to be true. On the other hand many consider this draft to be the exception. I think I'd rather have, say, the 7th and 17th picks than the #1 this year. Thoughts?
I think that would be a great idea, but I'm not sure the partner exists. The T-Wolves have their pick and a Brooklyn pick that's projected at 16. But I don't know how likely it is that we line up another big trade with them with next year's pick in the balance.
I think most teams are feeling the same, that it’s a crapshoot, so why pick high? So I imagine trading down is going to be pretty hard this year.
I think all teams bar the Clippers, Bucks and maybe the Raptors would trade for the hope of selecting a starting-calibre player with star potential. Doubt trading down would be too hard. For us, it's not clear who would be a great impact pick right now over who is currently on our roster
So trading down makes sense
PG:
Stephen Curry
Jordan Poole
Ky Bowman
SG:
Klay Thompson
Mychal Mulder
SF:
Andrew Wiggins
Glenn Robinson III
Juan Tuscano-Anderson
PF:
Draymond Green
Eric Paschall
Dragan Bender
Alen Smailagic (develop in Santa Cruz to begin season. Or keep Lee.)
C:
Marquese Chriss
Nerlens Noel
Goga Bitadze (develop in Santa Cruz to begin season)
Draft:
Devin Vassell (on a 2-way contract)
Why?
Yes: great defense, great 3-point shooting
Yet: great offense upside (excellent form) and can be groomed to be our defensive leader post-Draymond
They should draft the best player available and then trade for somebody else on a rookie contract if the player they drafted does fill a need. The biggest needs are pretty clearly another center with Looney's future very uncertain and another SF/SG, preferably a lockdown defender who can shoot just enough to not be a liability. As always, the biggest problem is the cap especially since it is almost certain to go down with the loss of this year's playoffs and the closure of the Chinese league. You would hope that the league would just keep the existing cap due to the extenuating circumstances, but given that the entire purpose of the league is to make a lot of money for the team owners, and the best way to do that is cut salary, that seems unlikely.
Part of the problem is that “best player” seems so difficulty to figure out this year, so I’m not sure BPA is going to be tradable...
Agree with both and I think a good 2 way wing (even if Ender ends up living up to his #1 pick with us) is the #1 priority. You can survive the way the modern game is played w/o a great center. Basically we need to fill Andre's shoes as best we can. I don't think we can find one player, so I'm hoping to fill that spot by committee. So I hope the draft pick or whomever we trade for with it fills that need. I am very worried because, of course, this draft is weak on wings so basically I am hoping for a great trade for a young vet.
PS Eric, was your comment about letting people be wrong on the internet in reference to the XKCD comic?
“Wrong on the internet” yeah, maybe not a direct reference, but that comic has definitely helped me a few times cool off from flaming over something trivial
if the player they drafted *does not* fill a need.
I'd say we're weakest at small forward, and at center. At center we need one good traditional big, unless we don't want to play that style at all and use stretch centers to torture the traditional bigs. Our players at that position have a lot to prove, although I think they have some potential. At small forward, if Wiggins pans out, we just need another 3 and D athlete with a high IQ, a 3 point shooter to give an extra option, and/or a shutdown defender.
Agreed, but center has always been the toughest position for rookies to contribute rIght away. I think they could get draft some immediate help at wing and find a decent veteran big with the MLE.
Maybe trade for two picks in next years draft and go after Giannis in 2021
Probably would be low picks, though. People hate 2020 and love 2021, just like the Warriors, so it’s hard to get value.