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There are plenty of questions in the 2020 NBA Draft, given the league’s uncertain financial situation and unprecedented pre-draft process, but one question is clearly the most prevalent: What will the Golden State Warriors do with the No. ° 2?
The return of a healthy Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as well as a rested Draymond Green put Golden State back in contention for the title after scoring the worst NBA record of 2019-20. On the one hand, the Warriors may lock down a potential franchise player at No.2, but on the other hand, that 19 or 20-year-old might not be able to help them in their quest for the title this season. . That’s where the catch lies, and that’s why every permutation of Warriors-related trades has made its way into the basketball world over the past year or so.
Let’s take a look at the Warriors options ahead of the November 18 draft.
Anthony Edwards draft at No.2
According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors are convinced enough of Edwards’ star potential that they are supposed to take him if he’s still on set at No.2. You have to take each report with a grain of salt. salt, keeping in mind that the Warriors could feign interest in top prospects to get teams to trade. That being said, Edwards makes sense for Golden State as a 6-5 wing who can play alongside the Splash Brothers and also serve as a secondary iso bucket. There are questions about his motor and defensive ability, but getting into Golden State’s culture should improve those areas.
James Wiseman draft at No. 2
The more I think about it, the more Wiseman seems like Golden State’s choice if they keep him. Not only do they have a gaping hole in the center (no offense Marquese Chriss, Kevon Looney and Alen Smailagic), but the Warriors are also looking for a player who can help win now. and bridging the gap with the post-Steph-Klay-Draymond universe – and Wiseman fits the mold. At worst, he’s a rim protector, versatile defender and lob threat. At best, he turns into a great ball handler, shooting at 3 points who is an eternal All-Star. A source told me that Wiseman is most comfortable in a team concept and isn’t necessarily “the guy,” so going to Golden State seems like a perfect situation.
Draft LaMelo Ball at n ° 2
I’m not as high on Ball as many draft evaluators, but his appeal is undeniable as a 6-7 point guard whose basketball confidence and IQ are through the roof. Sure, he may need the ball in his hands more than the Warriors can currently accommodate, but his size and passing ability should allow him to play in any lineup setup, at least on the offensive side. . It also makes sense for the Warriors to take Ball if they can’t make a trade before the draft, as he would be a valuable asset if the Warriors are to strike an “all-in” deal later in the season.
Exchange for a Veteran’s Coin
If you listen to the scuttlebutt, you’d think the Warriors like pretty much every perspective on this project. There might be some truth to that in that without an obvious first pick, the top player in this draft could end up being selected out of the top two. If so, the Warriors might be better served by swapping just a seat or two – say if Charlotte really wants Wiseman or the Bulls to fall in love with LaMelo – and taking a prospect like Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin, or Tyrese Haliburton. while picking up a veteran coin in the process. Here’s an example of a trade that might make sense for Charlotte and Golden State:
Warriors get:
Hornets get:
Again, this would be under the assumption that Charlotte desperately wants Wiseman, Ball, or Edwards. You get the idea, however. The Warriors swap a spot or two and choose someone who can help immediately as the prize for doing business.
Trade for future assets
Another option would be to trade down, but instead of choosing a veteran player, the Warriors would have a choice or two to come. Think back to when the Celtics had the No.1 pick, but knew their best guy (Jayson Tatum) would be available at No.3. They traded down and picked a first-round pick in the process. Golden State could take a similar approach if they think one of their primary targets will still be on the board later in the draft, getting both the player they want and an asset they can use themselves – same or in another trade later. The Detroit Pistons are reportedly looking to move up from 7th place, and while their veteran talent may not be appealing to the Warriors, a future Pistons first round with light protections could be an attractive business chip.
Trade pick # 2 and Andrew Wiggins for a star
The idea of treating the Warriors to trade their pick for another All-Star level player has been on people’s minds ever since Curry was injured just four games last season. To make a deal of this nature would likely have to involve Wiggins and his huge salary in the deal, which may not be an attractive option for any team on the other side. Let’s take a look at a few targets that may or may not be available.
The Pelicans are said to be open to the trade of Holiday, a borderline All-Star who is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s best defenders. He can hold multiple positions and is a skilled shooter and ball handler, skills that Warriors (or any team) would gladly bring on board. The questions are whether the Warriors think Holiday is worth the No.2 pick and whether New Orleans is ready to take Wiggins back in the deal.
Wizards have made it known that Beal is not yet on the trading block. As we know all too well, however, it only takes one business request and the raffle suddenly begins. Beal is an ideal fit on any contender, coming from a career scoring season and capable of being a secondary ball manager. The Wizards might not get a better offer than the No.2 pick, even if that means accepting Wiggins’ contract in the process. If the Warriors believe Beal will become available later in the season, that could serve as additional motivation to sign a No.2 player that they can include in a possible deal.
This is a popular fake trade on NBA Twitter, but it’s hard to imagine the 76ers doing it, especially with Daryl Morey now at the helm. Still, you never say never in the NBA, and even thinking of facing a formation from Curry, Thompson, Green and Simmons is absolutely scary. In order for Philly to consider a deal, the Warriors may have to include Minnesota’s first round in 2021, which they likely wouldn’t given next year’s busy outlook class.
OK, we’re a little liberal with the term “star” here, but there’s good reason to believe Gordon could thrive in all the space created by the Warriors’ attack in his home region of the Bay. Defensively, he would be a huge asset, adding another Swiss Army Knife alongside Green. If the Magic have an interest in Ball or Edwards becoming their franchise player, a combination of Aaron Gordon, Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier as well as the No.15 pick for Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and No.2 could be in play. .
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