2021 Draft Thread

[weekend_warrior]

It's absolutely possible that Mitchell becomes a very good and contributing player. But I wouldn't want to bet on it with a high draft pick. As others have pointed out, the only thing having him ranked highly are really the 3P shooting numbers of a very small but recent sample size. The much bigger sample states that he doesn't project to be a good shooter. And PG defense from undersized players is just overrated. If we had a late first round pick it might be worth it to take a flyer on the guy. With #14 or even #7, I don't see the case at all. (Accepting the risk that he might turn out good.)

[GSWFan1994]

Moody/JJ

Barnes/Springer

Any combination of these players, and I'm set. For now.

But I highly doubt JJ will be available at 14.

[GSWFan1994]

Via the WT:

Scottie Barnes Has Momentum To Go In Top-5

The 2021 NBA draft has long been considered to have a clear top-5, but Scottie Barnes has emerged as a candidate to join the mix with Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Kuminga.

Barnes was the only lottery prospect who participated in all facets of the combine and tested well.

"Barnes has significant momentum coming out of Chicago and looks like a real threat to crack the top five on draft night," writes ESPN. "He's getting looks as high as No. 4 from Toronto, is strongly in play with Orlando at No. 5 and looks unlikely to fall past Oklahoma City at No. 6. This draft has been described as a five-player draft for much of the season, but Barnes has done what he can to deconstruct that narrative and put himself firmly in that group."

Executives have also become bullish about Barnes' shooting mechanics to project as a consistent perimeter shooter eventually.

It would be wise for us to start warming up to the idea that Kuminga might be available at 7.

If OKC throws a curveball and go after Sengun, he might fall to us.

Looking at OKC roster, it depends on if they view Poku as a long-term SF/PF or C.

They do have a hole at C, though.

But they could also draft Kuminga due to them also having a hole at SF, and him being the best prospect left on board in case Barnes goes 4/5.

What do you guys think? Could Kuminga drop?

[azwfan]

Via the WT:

Scottie Barnes Has Momentum To Go In Top-5

The 2021 NBA draft has long been considered to have a clear top-5, but Scottie Barnes has emerged as a candidate to join the mix with Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Kuminga.

Barnes was the only lottery prospect who participated in all facets of the combine and tested well.

"Barnes has significant momentum coming out of Chicago and looks like a real threat to crack the top five on draft night," writes ESPN. "He's getting looks as high as No. 4 from Toronto, is strongly in play with Orlando at No. 5 and looks unlikely to fall past Oklahoma City at No. 6. This draft has been described as a five-player draft for much of the season, but Barnes has done what he can to deconstruct that narrative and put himself firmly in that group."

Executives have also become bullish about Barnes' shooting mechanics to project as a consistent perimeter shooter eventually.

It would be wise for us to start warming up to the idea that Kuminga might be available at 7.

If OKC throws a curveball and go after Sengun, he might fall to us.

Looking at OKC roster, it depends on if they view Poku as a long-term SF/PF or C.

They do have a hole at C, though.

But they could also draft Kuminga due to them also having a hole at SF, and him being the best prospect left on board in case Barnes goes 4/5.

What do you guys think? Could Kuminga drop?

For awhile I didn't think there would be a way we could get Kuminga... so didn't research into him much.
Lately I've heard too many draft podcasts who are frankly not high at all on Kuminga.

I guess I'll need to start looking at him more closely if there's a chance he'll be available when (if) we pick.

[Onus]

Via the WT:

Scottie Barnes Has Momentum To Go In Top-5

The 2021 NBA draft has long been considered to have a clear top-5, but Scottie Barnes has emerged as a candidate to join the mix with Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Kuminga.

Barnes was the only lottery prospect who participated in all facets of the combine and tested well.

"Barnes has significant momentum coming out of Chicago and looks like a real threat to crack the top five on draft night," writes ESPN. "He's getting looks as high as No. 4 from Toronto, is strongly in play with Orlando at No. 5 and looks unlikely to fall past Oklahoma City at No. 6. This draft has been described as a five-player draft for much of the season, but Barnes has done what he can to deconstruct that narrative and put himself firmly in that group."

Executives have also become bullish about Barnes' shooting mechanics to project as a consistent perimeter shooter eventually.

It would be wise for us to start warming up to the idea that Kuminga might be available at 7.

If OKC throws a curveball and go after Sengun, he might fall to us.

Looking at OKC roster, it depends on if they view Poku as a long-term SF/PF or C.

They do have a hole at C, though.

But they could also draft Kuminga due to them also having a hole at SF, and him being the best prospect left on board in case Barnes goes 4/5.

What do you guys think? Could Kuminga drop?

I think it's very possible that Kuminga could drop to 7, but I'm not sure I would want him on the Warriors tbh. He's not going to be ready to play in the playoffs next year.

[whatisacenter]

If Kuminga is available at 7 that would be great for the Warriors as the pick would be a great trade chip. I’m already hoping that some team right below us falls in love with Sengun and is willing to trade up to secure him.

I’ve got Barnes at 5 on my board ahead of Kuminga.

[osx28]

Via the WT:

Scottie Barnes Has Momentum To Go In Top-5

The 2021 NBA draft has long been considered to have a clear top-5, but Scottie Barnes has emerged as a candidate to join the mix with Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Kuminga.

Barnes was the only lottery prospect who participated in all facets of the combine and tested well.

"Barnes has significant momentum coming out of Chicago and looks like a real threat to crack the top five on draft night," writes ESPN. "He's getting looks as high as No. 4 from Toronto, is strongly in play with Orlando at No. 5 and looks unlikely to fall past Oklahoma City at No. 6. This draft has been described as a five-player draft for much of the season, but Barnes has done what he can to deconstruct that narrative and put himself firmly in that group."

Executives have also become bullish about Barnes' shooting mechanics to project as a consistent perimeter shooter eventually.

It would be wise for us to start warming up to the idea that Kuminga might be available at 7.

If OKC throws a curveball and go after Sengun, he might fall to us.

Looking at OKC roster, it depends on if they view Poku as a long-term SF/PF or C.

They do have a hole at C, though.

But they could also draft Kuminga due to them also having a hole at SF, and him being the best prospect left on board in case Barnes goes 4/5.

What do you guys think? Could Kuminga drop?

I think it's very possible that Kuminga could drop to 7, but I'm not sure I would want him on the Warriors tbh. He's not going to be ready to play in the playoffs next year.

If he does, some teams might be more willing to trade up to get him. Delon Wright and #9 for Kuminga might come back and bite us 5 years from now, but we can't wait 5 years for him to develop.

Wright would give us the bench playmaking that people want from Mitchell or Giddey, Just way more experience and a more certain contribution. We could then draft for upside since we already have immediate help.

I'd be stoked if we got Wright, Jalen Johnson and Kispert out of this draft.

[GSWFan1994]

I think it's very possible that Kuminga could drop to 7, but I'm not sure I would want him on the Warriors tbh. He's not going to be ready to play in the playoffs next year.

I know your way of thinking (not necessarily disagreeing with it), but I believe in this case (top of the draft) we have to always pick the best player available.

2 reasons for this:

- Use it as a trade chip later on

- High potential = high profit

Obviously it could take a while with some players, but think in this angle: these same players wouldn't have to play a major role for us early on.

They would be, like, our 7th/8th/9th best player on the rotation.

They can be groomed under the wings of the coaching staff and our more experienced players, providing insurance in case some of them get injured, and also providing relief by getting spot-on minutes in the rotation during the regular season, getting invaluable experience along the way.

Then, in the playoffs, as you may know, all rotations are shortened up. For example, LeBron plays 32/36 mins per game in the regular season, but in the playoffs plays 40+ almost every game.

The same would happen to our roster. Thus, our guys in the 8th+ range in the rotation would have their minutes cut off almost entirely.

The thing is, they would be getting, let me say again, invaluable experience in this process.

Just imagine a Wiseman/Poole/JJ/Ziaire, for example, core in 4 years, after deep playoff runs, training together, getting wisdom from the CS and Curry, Klay, Green for years on end. Providing support for them, and then taking over in due time, when they (Curry, etc) start to decline.

As I've said multiple times, our main problem is not our current 4 players. When healthy, they can compete with anyone. But we have to urgently improve the roster around them.

This is sustainable growth for me. This is the way to go from my point of view.

[Onus]

I think it's very possible that Kuminga could drop to 7, but I'm not sure I would want him on the Warriors tbh. He's not going to be ready to play in the playoffs next year.

I know your way of thinking (not necessarily disagreeing with it), but I believe in this case (top of the draft) we have to always pick the best player available.

2 reasons for this:

- Use it as a trade chip later on

- High potential = high profit

Obviously it could take a while with some players, but think in this angle: these same players wouldn't have to play a major role for us early on.

They would be, like, our 7th/8th/9th best player on the rotation.

They can be groomed under the wings of the coaching staff and our more experienced players, providing insurance in case some of them get injured, and also providing relief by getting spot-on minutes in the rotation during the regular season, getting invaluable experience along the way.

Then, in the playoffs, as you may know, all rotations are shortened up. For example, LeBron plays 32/36 mins per game in the regular season, but in the playoffs plays 40+ almost every game.

The same would happen to our roster. Thus, our guys in the 8th+ range in the rotation would have their minutes cut off almost entirely.

The thing is, they would be getting, let me say again, invaluable experience in this process.

Just imagine a Wiseman/Poole/JJ/Ziaire, for example, core in 4 years, after deep playoff runs, training together, getting wisdom from the CS and Curry, Klay, Green for years on end. Providing support for them, and then taking over in due time, when they (Curry, etc) start to decline.

As I've said multiple times, our main problem is not our current 4 players. When healthy, they can compete with anyone. But we have to urgently improve the roster around them.

This is sustainable growth for me. This is the way to go from my point of view.

I think I would probably take Kuminga if he was there at 7. I just wouldn't feel good about taking him. He does play a position of need and he could be one of the better players out of this draft. I'd hope someone would want to trade up for him though.

edit* he's just so damn raw

[GSWFan1994]

Also, taking the opportunity to post my big board for the first time:

Tier 1 (prime = top 10 player, MVP candidate on any given year)
1 - Cade Cunningham

Tier 2 (prime = surefire All-Star; top 15 player on any given year)
2 - Evan Mobley
3 - Jalen Green
4 - Scottie Barnes

Tier 3 (prime = borderline All-Star; top 25/30 player on any given year)
5 - Jalen Suggs
6 - Jonathan Kuminga
7 - Jalen Johnson

Tier 4 (prime = above average to very good starters, with potential for more if chips fall in the right place)
8 - Alperen Sengun
9 - Jaden Springer
10 - Ziaire Williams
11 - Franz Wagner
12 - Moses Moody
13 - James Bouknight
14 - Josh Giddey
15 - Usman Garuba

Don't like / don't want drafted for us / seems like will be overdrafted and not perform up to expectations = Keon Johnson, Davion Mitchell, Corey Kispert

Best case for us = Barnes at 7, Springer at 14

Realistic case for us = JJ at 7, Springer at 14

From what I've studied until now, there's a dropoff in talent around 15/17. So we should be good to go regarding the 2nd pick.

There are tons of players I haven't studied yet. I'll be adjusting this until the end of the month.

I don't dislike Moody, just think there are better available options. I'd be satisfied with him at 14. Not on 7.

Mitchell I see as an eventually good to great backup PG. Nothing more than that. Classic case of someone who played very good at the right time (March Madness) and profited from that. He alongside Curry I don't know if it would work.

Springer for me is hugely overlooked. Seems like a Jrue Holiday/Kyle Lowry clone. Would work wonders in a small ball lineup.

Barnes is amazing and gives me, hold for it... Giannis vibes. I just see the "it " factor in him. Plays hard. Awesome defender & team player. Just strikes me as someone who cares about the game and will fight till his last drop of blood to improve his game. Whoever gets him is getting a potential franchise player.

Ziaire is very similar to Paul George in my eyes. Love him. Long wing who can shoot, handle and defend.

Above all, realistically now... if we get Jalen Johnson I'd be delighted. He's similar to Ben Simmons in the sense that he could be a big point forward and enable an outstanding death lineup.

[shazam_guy]

I would LOVE to be a booster for Ziaire at #14, for many reasons, but as I said before, after watching him this year he looks like he's a long way away from pro-quality and needs a LOT of learning. He looked as lost at times against Pac-12 competition as Wiseman did at his worst against NBA players this year.

Rebuilding team, sure. After all the complaints about Wiseman from fans this year, I think Ziaire would be the wrong choice, unless we could afford to send him immediately to the G-League and not worry about his roster slot for a while.

[Onus]

Also, taking the opportunity to post my big board for the first time:

Tier 1
1 - Cade Cunningham

Tier 2
2 - Evan Mobley
3 - Jalen Green
4 - Scottie Barnes

Tier 3
5 - Jalen Suggs
6 - Jonathan Kuminga
7 - Jalen Johnson

Tier 4
8 - Alperen Sengun
9 - Jaden Springer
10 - Ziaire Williams
11 - Franz Wagner
12 - Moses Moody
13 - James Bouknight
14 - Josh Giddey
15 - Usman Garuba

Don't like / don't want drafted for us / seems like will be overdrafted and not perform up to expectations = Keon Johnson, Davion Mitchell, Corey Kispert

Best case for us = Barnes at 7, Springer at 14

Realistic case for us = JJ at 7, Springer at 14

From what I've studied until now, there's a dropoff in talent around 15/17. So we should be good to go regarding the 2nd pick.

There are tons of players I haven't studied yet. I'll be adjusting this until the end of the month.

I don't dislike Moody, just think there are better available options. I'd be satisfied with him at 14. Not on 7.

Mitchell I see as an eventually good to great backup PG. Nothing more than that. Classic case of someone who played very good at the right time (March Madness) and profited from that. He alongside Curry I don't know if it would work.

Springer for me is hugely overlooked. Seems like a Jrue Holiday/Kyle Lowry clone. Would work wonders in a small ball lineup.

Barnes is amazing and gives me, hold for it... Giannis vibes. I just see the "it " factor in him. Plays hard. Awesome defender & team player. Just strikes me as someone who cares about the game and will fight till his last drop of blood to improve his game. Whoever gets him is getting a potential franchise player.

Ziaire is very similar to Paul George in my eyes. Love him. Long wing who can shoot, handle and defend.

Above all, realistically now... if we get Jalen Johnson I'd be delighted. He's similar to Ben Simmons in the sense that he could be a big point forward and enable an outstanding death lineup.

Jalen Johnson and Ben Simmons that's an interesting comp that I didn't see coming. I think of him more as Jeff Green

[KevinMcreynolds]

when I do my youtube scouting I don't understand the love for Scottie Barnes

[mos_def]

Also, taking the opportunity to post my big board for the first time:

Tier 1
1 - Cade Cunningham

Tier 2
2 - Evan Mobley
3 - Jalen Green
4 - Scottie Barnes

Tier 3
5 - Jalen Suggs I would place Suggs in a tier by himself against the others
6 - Jonathan Kuminga
7 - Jalen Johnson

Tier 4
8 - Alperen Sengun
9 - Jaden Springer
10 - Ziaire Williams
11 - Franz Wagner
12 - Moses Moody
13 - James Bouknight
14 - Josh Giddey
15 - Usman Garuba

Don't like / don't want drafted for us / seems like will be overdrafted and not perform up to expectations = Keon Johnson, Davion Mitchell, Corey Kispert

Best case for us = Barnes at 7, Springer at 14

Realistic case for us = JJ at 7, Springer at 14

From what I've studied until now, there's a dropoff in talent around 15/17. So we should be good to go regarding the 2nd pick.

There are tons of players I haven't studied yet. I'll be adjusting this until the end of the month.

I don't dislike Moody, just think there are better available options. I'd be satisfied with him at 14. Not on 7.

Mitchell I see as an eventually good to great backup PG. Nothing more than that. Classic case of someone who played very good at the right time (March Madness) and profited from that. He alongside Curry I don't know if it would work.

Springer for me is hugely overlooked. Seems like a Jrue Holiday/Kyle Lowry clone. Would work wonders in a small ball lineup.

I agree

Barnes is amazing and gives me, hold for it... Giannis vibes. I just see the "it " factor in him. Plays hard. Awesome defender & team player. Just strikes me as someone who cares about the game and will fight till his last drop of blood to improve his game. Whoever gets him is getting a potential franchise player.

I agree

Ziaire is very similar to Paul George in my eyes. Love him. Long wing who can shoot, handle and defend.

I'm going to have to look more at Zaire now. How much weight you think he can put on?

Above all, realistically now... if we get Jalen Johnson I'd be delighted. He's similar to Ben Simmons in the sense that he could be a big point forward and enable an outstanding death lineup.

[GSWFan1994]

when I do my youtube scouting I don't understand the love for Scottie Barnes

Watch this and tell me, what you DON'T like about him? Genuine question.

Watch on YouTube

[GSWFan1994]

I'm going to have to look more at Zaire now. How much weight you think he can put on?

I'm not an expert at physiology, but I know that throughout NBA's history there have been similar athletes to Ziaire's bodytype.

Paul George, T-Mac, for example.

I see no problem for him putting on weight over the years, with a NBA training regimen behind him.

Moreover, I've read somewhere that Ziaire comes from a military background, I think his father if I'm not mistaken. Expects lots of dedication, discipline and head in the right place for him.

[KevinMcreynolds]

when I do my youtube scouting I don't understand the love for Scottie Barnes

Watch this and tell me, what you DON'T like about him? Genuine question.

Watch on YouTube

I like his game and all, but he just seems like a really good role player to me and not worthy of a high draft pick.

[AdonalFoyle4Prez]

when I do my youtube scouting I don't understand the love for Scottie Barnes

Watch this and tell me, what you DON'T like about him? Genuine question.

Watch on YouTube

I like his game and all, but he just seems like a really good role player to me and not worthy of a high draft pick.

A role player to start off his young career. As he gains experience and confidence in his skills, then that's another thing. He's no project; Just needs to get adjusted to the pace and grind of a regular NBA season and continue to work his game.

[ChuckDurn]

GSW - wow……. Not sure what to say. I really appreciate the compliment. And the feeling is mutual.

I will not be surprised whatsoever if either Barnes (less likely, as he’s rising) or Kuminga (more likely) is available at 7 when the Warriors pick. And then it will be interesting to see what the Warriors do.

Thanks! Much appreciated.

What are your thoughts on Kuminga?

As much as I like Barnes and JJ, amongst others, I still feel Kuminga is the superior prospect.

His skillset is so enticing. He started off strong in the G-League, then somehow dropped a bit. But still had interesting numbers.

Most importantly, I believe his weaknesses are fixable. If he reaches a certain degree of his potential, he will surely be a borderline All-Star player in my eyes, because he has the athleticism and seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

Regarding the age concerns, I think it's all bogus.

Sorry, I just got to this one…… Honestly, I haven’t seen enough of Kuminga to really comment. I only caught a couple of his games in the G-League showcase, and they were mixed. The first one I saw was their first game (against Santa Cruz), and he looked great in it - even better than Green. But then he seemed to fall into some bad habits in forcing the ball, taking bad shots, etc…… Like you, I think they’re fixable. And I also don’t think his age concern is real, I think that’s just smoke. But without a doubt, he’s going to be a development project (at best) who doesn’t fit in the Warriors’ current championship timeframe.

If he dropped to us, as I think is quite possible (I think it’s possible that any or all of Barnes, Sengun, and Moody could jump over him), I’d really hope the Warriors had gotten a lot of time working with him. But I don’t know enough about him right now to be able to judge him effectively.

[wupuck]

Moody/JJ

Barnes/Springer

Any combination of these players, and I'm set. For now.

But I highly doubt JJ will be available at 14.

Seriously don't get the fascination w/ JJ. Any player that quits on his team mid-season screams immaturity at best and head-case at worse. Even if he's there at 14, let some other team deal w/ that headache.