The Golden State Warriors finished 10 games out of the Western
Conference playoffs this season, so even if they had secured the
No. 1 pick in Tuesday’s NBA draft lottery, there doesn’t appear to
be a franchise-changing player in this year’s talent pool who could
substantially help bridge that gap. Golden State didn’t reap any
benefits from the lottery, instead maintaining the No. 11 spot in
the June 23 draft. That means the Warriors are going to get a
player who likely will provide only incremental improvement.
OAKLAND
The Golden State Warriors finished 10 games out of the Western Conference playoffs this season, so even if they had secured the No. 1 pick in Tuesday’s NBA draft lottery, there doesn’t appear to be a franchise-changing player in this year’s talent pool who could substantially help bridge that gap.
Golden State didn’t reap any benefits from the lottery, instead maintaining the No. 11 spot in the June 23 draft. That means the Warriors are going to get a player who likely will provide only incremental improvement.
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While the Warriors will spend the offseason trying to figure out ways to bring an impact player or two to Oakland to fill their needs, they still can add another piece through the draft. Golden State can use some defense and rebounding, and there are players who should be available at No. 11 who could give the team a boost.
ESPN’s Chad Ford projects the Warriors selecting 6-foot-10, 230-pound power forward Jonas Valanciunas of Lithuania with the No. 11 pick. Valanciunas is 18 years old and considered a strong offensive rebounder, but he needs to improve his strength to mix it up in the NBA. Valanciunas could very well be off the board by the time the Warriors make their selection.
Multiple mock drafts predict Golden State will pick 6-9 forward Marcus Morris of Kansas. Morris is a smooth offensive player but isn’t the inside force the Warriors need.
Other players who could be on Golden State’s radar at No. 11 are San Diego State forward Kawhi Leonard, Texas forward Jordan Hamilton and international prospects such as Bismack Biyombo of Spain and Donatas Motiejunas of Lithuania.
— Story by Jonathan Okanes, Contra Costa Times
