Dubs in-depth: Warriors’ preference is reportedly to take a wing at 2020 NBA Draft

The Golden State Warriors have two needs that stand out heading into the offseason: A big man and a wing who can provide the Dubs with some much-needed depth off the bench.

We will hear plenty of rumors between now and November when the 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place, but one NBA insider says Golden State prefers to add a wing with the No. 2 selection.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer released his latest mock draft and had this to say about what the Warriors can do with their pick:

“Everything is on the table for the Warriors with this pick. They could stay put, trade down, or move entirely out. Sources from multiple front offices believe Golden State’s preference is to draft a wing. That could mean Edwards, who has size. But Edwards is a shaky decision-maker at this stage of his career (and he’s off our board anyway). Avdija makes logical sense as a highly experienced player who projects as a versatile 6-foot-9 forward with playmaking skills. Ideally, the Warriors would be able to trade down for him since two bigger-name prospects are still on the board.”

Avdija is a skilled playmaker who could be a good fit with Golden State’s ball-movement centric offense. The 19-year-old will have to work on his shooting to be an impactful NBA player. He only hit on 27.7% of his 3-point attempts and struggled to hit free throws consistently. His stroke doesn’t look too awkward, so spending time working with the Warriors’ coaching staff and elite shooters will benefit him.

One interesting tidbit from O’Connor’s description is if general manager Bob Myers can trade down and still get Avdija plus another asset in the process. The buzz around the league is that Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman appear to be the top three prospects on the board, so the Dubs may find a team willing to trade up.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hold the No. 5 pick this season and could move up by including a future pick, such as the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2020 top-10 protected selection. The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly high on Avdija and could include the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2022 top-14 protected pick or one of their young pieces in any potential deal.

If Myers can add a wing like Avdija, Tyrese Haliburton, or Isaac Okoro, then try and add a big man via free agency, Golden State will be in great shape going into the 2020-21 season. Using this year’s first-round pick gives the Dubs a young, cost-controlled option that could develop into a starter over the next few seasons, providing the Warriors some tax relief.

Which wing do you prefer Myers to take if Edwards is off the board at the draft?

On to some links:

Even though the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t likely to trade center Joel Embiid, maybe he could be had for the right price. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes suggests a package the Warriors could offer that might be too much for the Sixers to pass up.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors will not stop until he makes a decision. Fansided’s Nathan Bieghle says Golden State has enough to offer the Bucks a good package in exchange for the reigning NBA MVP.

After missing the entire 2019-20 season, we can’t wait to see Klay Thompson back on the court. According to his father, Mychal Thompson, Klay’s jumper is looking even better than it did before his injury. (Warriors Wire)