Assuming Anthony Edwards is selected first overall in the 2020 NBA draft, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman would be among the top prospects available for the Warriors at No. 2. However, sources from multiple front offices believe that Golden State would prefer to draft a wing, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer.
In O’Connor’s first 2020 mock draft, he has the Warriors selecting Maccabi Tel Aviv wing Deni Avdija at No. 2. However, O’Connor acknowledges that Edwards would be a prime option if he’s available, and notes that trading down is very much in play for the club.
Here’s more on the draft:
- Florida State forward Patrick Williams has been generating “heavy interest” from teams in the mid-to-late lottery, front office sources tell O’Connor. Williams is ranked 12th overall on ESPN’s big board, though O’Connor has him at No. 8 in his mock draft.
- Other prospects that O’Connor has heard positive buzz about include Maryland big man Jalen Smith (20th on ESPN; 13th in O’Connor’s mock) and Stanford guard Tyrell Terry (42nd on ESPN; 24th in O’Connor’s mock).
- University of Minnesota big man Daniel Oturu has interviewed – or will interview – with the Timberwolves, Spurs, Wizards, and Cavaliers, among other teams, tweets Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News.
- According to Keith Smith of RealGM (Twitter links), some fringe prospects for the 2020 draft are beginning to sign overseas, since international leagues are getting underway before the NBA’s 2020/21 season will. Smith points to Providence’s Alpha Diallo as one example, suggesting that Diallo probably could’ve earned a Summer League spot and potentially a training camp invite, but has signed with a Greek team instead.
Tactic
Warriors are trying to hook the big fish Knicks
Trade down to get Knicks pick
Knicks have 2 choices
Robinson and 8 for 2
8 and 2 Mavs picks for 2 and Poole plus 2 seconds round picks
Trading down is smart in a weak draft, but if they stay at #2 taking LaMelo over Wiseman is the right decision since they need another PG to groom behind Curry and allow the load management needed for him at this point of his career.
Ball is way over rated. He needs a year in the G league to learn team play. GSW want to won now. They don’t want Ball.
No NBA team or GM agrees with you. LaMelo is NBA ready and will probably become a day 1 starter in the NBA.
Watch and see he played in a low college league with non-prospects last year. His coach let him do anything. He has way to much to learn to be in the NBA. He is not NBA ready if he was he would be the #1 pick but he might fall way down the draft.
I agree, stay away from the ball family!
Those guys are overrated AF and after the impression the dad and oldest brother left, I never want any of them on the Warriors
Currys got too many years left in him. Shooting is the last part of your game to go. I think Wiseman is a great fit for them
Warriors have no interest in ball. He will be a bust. More of a rockets type player…
•Easy to believe GSW will draft a wing, since that is their habit.
•Edwards is only 6-3 but strong and possibly gone by #2. Vassel is 6-7 but skinny, and #2 is too high. Advija may be a turnover machine initially.
Advija can’t shoot of defend. He’s not going to be a decent NBA level player ever. he’s not very athletic, can’t shoot 3’s or FT’s. He’s a bust waiting to happen.
I could easily see the Warriors trading their pick to bring in a veteran player with the TPE they have a month before the draft.
Absolutely correct. All this time trying to figure out who the Warriors are going to draft is a waste. Whoever they pick it will be for another team.
Since the draft this season is held almost a month after the league year starts (not prior), we likely have actual trades of picks. I don’t know the exact dates but their TPE should expire in late October, after the moratorium, so it’s use it or lose it by then. They might have other uses of the TPE, but it pairs best with the pick.
Warriors are a contender next year. Probably the top pick to win the west. They will draft a player that can play next season. Not in 2-4 yrs from now. Biggest position of need is center and wing. Wiseman maybe can play 20 mins. But is not a proven playoff player. The most ready prospects are. Okongwu, Toppin, Edwards, Halliburton, Okoro. There are others but are more role player types. Or younger and would not make impact for 2-4 yrs. They are not going to pass up a #2 pick to trade out of getting real talent. They have a few options even moving Wiggins. We’re probably all going to have to wait till draft night to see what they do. I would put trading pick at 50-50 right now. I know they don’t like Ball. Go read all California news outlets. Personally I think they should take Wiseman. He can help off bench. And is the future. He will be much better his second yr.
Nobody can project any college player as playoff ready without ever seeing them play a single NBA game. Heck most NBA vets aren’t playoff ready. Get real !
Oturu is a solid big prospect. More a traditional PF. But can play small ball center. I see Achiuwa, Stewart, Carey Jr as better prospects. Most boards got Stewart going at end of first rd even 2nd rd. Would love for Knicks to take him at #27.
Surprise situation LaMelo Ball goes first to TWolves
Ben Simmons Al Horford and 2 second round picks for Andrew Wiggins, the 2nd overall pick, the 18mil trade exemption, Eric Paschall and a future first.
Sixers might seem like they could get a better return but wait. They get the second overall pick and take Anthony Edwards who turns out to be a stud. Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid played college basketball together so they not only know each other but know each other’s game and can play well together. Plus they get rid of Al Horford for a much younger Paschall who played well as a rookie and get a future first. Can’t go wrong really.
As for GSW why make this move if it’s a huge win for the Sixers. Well they get Ben Simmons which really means a future star after Curry Klay and Draymond who are all in their thirties and all had injuries. Simmons amazing passing game would be excellent with this teams shooting and his defence would be along side Klay and Draymond and be hard to beat. Not to mention Al Horford who has a terrible deal is actually the ideal small ball 5 for this team. He can shoot it and not clog the paint, can pass well, defends in space alright, is experienced and plays team ball which works perfect for off ball screens and cutting to the rim. The GSW bench takes a hit but they still have Chriss, Looney, Poole, Lee, Bowman and get 2 additional second round picks. Overall GSW would have a team capable of competing for a title for the next 2/3 years plus would have a new injection of youth just as Curry Klay and Draymond start to get old and you reduce their roles.
First off, you can’t do this trade. You can’t combine the value of a trade exception with another players contract. So in all, you are essentially trading out the value of Wiggins contract and taking back double that amount which is not allowed.
Second, even if you could do that, the team would have 5 guys making around 30 million. You are looking at $150-$160 million which is well into the luxury with just those five guys.
On paper the lineup makes sense but that would be some ugly tax bill.
I’m not sure if something like what you suggest will happen, but I really do look forward to the creativity have the Warriors in making their roster better. They’re not afraid to make a big splash and I hope one comes this offseason. You’re right about bringing in Simmons as a very much positive move with his Youth and skill.