Warriors impressed with departure of second-round pick Justinian Jessup in Australia

As the Warriors start to exceed expectations this season, one of their recent second-round picks is impressive away from home.

Shooting guard Justinian jessup, the No. 51 selection in the November Draft at Boise State, has become a key sniper for the Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League. In two games with them, he averaged 14.5 points on 60% shots (62.5% on 3 points), 4.5 rebounds and 1 assist in 29.9 minutes.

Jessup’s 24-point explosion in the Hawks ‘victory on Monday over the Cairns Taipans, which included a 4-for-4 performance beyond the arc, reinforced the Warriors’ belief that he could be an asset for Golden State starting next season.

“I’m keeping an eye on his progress,” Warriors head coach Steve kerr said of Jessup. Director of Basketball Operations “Nick U’Ren kind of gives me updates on his games. I know he had a big game the other night.

As a senior last season at Boise State, Jessup has emerged as a legitimate NBA prospect shooting 39.7 percent from 3 points on 7.7 attempts per game. But before the draft he was not sure he would be selected, which is why he signed a “Next Stars” contract in August with The Hawks – Hornets guard LaMelo Ballold team.

The move bolstered Jessup’s stock among NBA clubs such as the Warriors who were looking for a “draft-and-stash” prospect to avoid using another roster spot this season on a pick. second round. While Golden State hasn’t given Jessup a timeline for when it might bring him to the United States, it does see it as an intriguing low risk / high reward bet.

If Jessup, 22, sets and doesn’t prove he belongs in the NBA, the Warriors won’t be worried about using the 10th last pick on him. But if he adds muscle, improves his lateral quickness, and becomes more comfortable with his right hand, he has a chance of someday occupying a role with Golden State similar to that. Mychal Mulder currently fulfills.

“It’s a prospect that is very interesting for us,” Kerr said. “We are delighted to have his rights and will be following him very closely.”

Tipoff modifications: The Warriors have announced that next Thursday’s game against the Suns in Phoenix, originally scheduled to switch at 6 p.m. PST, will begin at 7 p.m. Additionally, Golden State’s Jan. 30 game against the Pistons at Chase Center – originally scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. – will now begin at 7 p.m.

Both games are scheduled to air on NBC Sports Bay Area and can be heard on the Warriors’ flagship radio station, 95.7 The Game.