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The Golden State Warriors finished the 2019-20 season with the worst record in the NBA at 15-50. No one was surprised by how bad things got when superstar Steph Curry was injured during the fourth game of the regular season. With Klay Thompson are already out for the year, the Warriors used this as an opportunity to retool.
With the train wreck officially behind them, the Dubs can focus on how to building a championship contender going in 2020-21. One of the biggest assets general manager has is Golden State’s 2020 first-round pick. The Warriors have a 14% chance to win the Aug. 25 NBA Draft Lottery, but are guaranteed a top-five selection.
Let’s focus on the Dubs winning the No. 1 pick. We have debated on this site which player Myers and co. should select to come in and immediately contribute. Assuming the Warriors can’t trade the pick, they will have a plethora of options to choose from.
The consensus is that Georgia guard Anthony Edwards will be taken with the first selection. Edwards averaged 19.1 points during his freshman season. The 18-year-old has the potential to be walking bucket in the NBA, and he can learn on the job from two future Hall of Fame players in Curry and Thompson.
If Golden State is looking to add a big man, there are two that are getting the most attention. Memphis center James Wiseman only played three games as a freshman, but he showcased his potential, averaging 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. He’s as athletic as they come, and grow into the Dubs’ long-term solution in the middle. Another player who is starting to climb draft boards is USC’s Onyeka Okongwu. The freshman has been compared to All-Star Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat. Okongwu put up 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game with the Trojans.
Tyrese Haliburton has been linked to the Warriors as well. The 6’5 wing has the versatility to guard multiple positions, and would slide in nicely next to the Splash Brothers. Haliburton’s name has been mentioned alongside the Warriors multiple times throughout the shutdown, with the SF Chronicle’s Connor Letourneau, and ESPN’s Jonathan Givony both saying the Dubs like Haliburton. The question is whether or not they would take him at No. 1.
Some of the other players Golden State could target include: Israeli forward Deni Avdija, and Dayton forward Obi Toppin.
Poll
Who would you want the Warriors to take if they keep the first pick?
This poll is closed
-
35%
Anthony Edwards
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28%
James Wiseman
-
11%
Onyeka Okongwu
-
9%
Tyrese Haliburton
-
5%
Deni Avdija
-
9%
Other
Let us know who you voted for in the comments below!
On to some links:
The NBA is reportedly considering adding a second bubble for non-playoff teams. Fansided’s Tony Pesta looks at three benefits of the Dubs having the opportunity to get in some games.
One player who is young, and could be a free agent in October might be a good addition for Golden State. NBC Bay Area’s Josh Schrock says the Warriors should take a serious look at guard Alonzo Trier.
Alen Smailagic had some interesting stories to share about playing with Curry and Draymond Green. Aaron Mathew of Clutch Points highlights a funny moment between Smailagic and Curry.