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Eric Risberg / Associated press
The Golden State Warriors may have a few contenders vying for the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft if they choose to retire.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony latest simulation project, the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons are “among the contenders” to move up to second place. If the Warriors hang on to pick, they should pick Memphis center James Wiseman.
It’s unclear what the Bulls, Knicks, or Pistons would do if they went up, but each team is at a different stage in the rebuilding process.
Chicago is just starting to figure out what to do with its roster as senior executive Arturas Karnisovas, general manager Marc Eversley and head coach Billy Donovan all enter their first seasons with the franchise. The Bulls hold the No.4 pick, with ESPN screening guard Deni Avdija at Windy City – although trade talks continue.
The Knicks are in a slightly similar position with new team president Leon Rose and head coach Tom Thibodeau both entering their inaugural seasons with the club, but may have more than one base to work with. Forwards Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett, along with center Mitchell Robinson and plenty of cap room, provide some flexibility.
That could work in the Knicks’ favor whether or not they are able to trade from eighth place, where Givony believes they are likely to take over Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton.
One spot ahead of the Knicks in the current draft order are the Pistons at No.7.
Givony throws Florida state forward Patrick Williams in Detroit – assuming he isn’t able to trade.
The Pistons went 20-46 last season and face the Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks in the Central Division.
Givony has guard LaMelo Ball, Wiseman and Georgia guard Anthony Edwards as the top three picks, respectively. That might change if the Warriors were able to find a Trade Package that was too good to pass up.
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