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No prospect has been mentioned alongside the Warriors in NBA draft conversations more recently than former Memphis center James Wiseman. The Warriors’ only question mark in the starting lineup for the 2020-21 season is five, as Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney, both closer to powerful forwards, are the only options on the current roster at center.
Wiseman is 7ft 1ft and would give the Warriors a frontcourt size that was sorely missed a season ago. But as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained on Monday afternoon, the Warriors aren’t the only team showing a keen interest in Wiseman, as the Charlotte Hornets, who own the No.3 pick, also need a ‘a star in the front area.
“The most important thing for Golden State is what Charlotte does,” Windhorst said on “The Jump”. “Charlotte is very interested in James Wiseman and could move up to the front row to take him.
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Numerous reports have emerged in recent days detailing the Hornets’ special interest in Wiseman, and it’s no secret that the Timberwolves and Minnesota Warriors have considered reducing negotiating potential with so little uncertainty in this year’s class. If Wiseman is indeed the Warriors’ most coveted front office player, but is selected No.1 overall by Charlotte or another team, Golden State might be more inclined to pursue a trade.
“If Charlotte goes up and catches it, then I think you might see Golden State show more interest in coming back,” Windhorst added.
The Hornets have several center options on the current roster, but could definitely consider a position upgrade. Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez are both free agents, Cody Zeller is entering the final year of a bloated contract, and Jalen McDaniels is more comfortable playing all three or four at the NBA level.
Charlotte could be looking to rebuild her squad around Wiseman and the flurry of young former draft picks high on the Hornets roster. Minnesota takes center stage with NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns and will likely seek other lottery positions.
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The Warriors have been linked to plenty of business scenarios, and missing out on Wiseman could cause GM Bob Myers to heavily consider sub-lottery bids. With such a long offseason due to not being invited to the NBA bubble in Orlando, the Golden State front office has had ample time to focus on scouting and finding players, and is said to have met and reviewed several prospects who should go to the lottery later. or even further back.
USC’s Onyeka Okongwu is another great man who has climbed the draft boards and immediately offers stronger defensive skills, something the Warriors could wish for more given their hopes of competing for a championship next year. . But almost all indications point to Wiseman or supreme athlete Anthony Edwards as the ideal choice for the Warriors.
Being able to take a veteran player and slip a few spots in the first round might be more appealing to a team trying to extend their championship window with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green now all on the wrong side of 30.
The Warriors brain trust certainly maps out every possible scenario with the first-choice unfolding, but how desperate Charlotte is to bring Wiseman in could have a major impact on how the Warriors proceed on November 18.
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