Your Top 5 2020 Warriors Draft Picks

[HiRez]

I think I have this right...

In the history of Warriors drafts, the Warriors have only had one successful pick in the draft when drafting a highschool or one and done player ever, Monta Ellis.

Latrell Spreewell, Gilbert Arenas,Curry, Klay, Draymond, Harrison Barnes, Paschall...the only real modern day draft successes have all been multi-year players..the recent core of Klay, Draymond and Curry having three!

A bird in hand (known very good talent) is better than a two in the bush (totally unproven youngster who won't be physically ready for two more years)

If Warriors keep the draft pick...I hope they go for a guy with upside that is ready to plug in ...now.

I think they go for either:
1. Obi Topin
2. Deni Avdija

I mostly agree with this instinct that the Warriors would prefer someone with more experience and who can contribute immediately. And it makes sense with the short window they have and chip-or-bust mentality. Although, if you take that to the logical conclusion, that might mean they're more inclined to trade for a proven commodity as there are no sure things in this draft (or really any draft for that matter).

That's why I have 3 guys at the top of my list who can contribute defensively right away (Wiseman, Okoro, Okongwu), although even there it will take a regular season to get used to the help defense system, screening routes, etc. And especially Wiseman and Okongwu rebound really well, which is a place we get burnt pretty often. Edwards has crazy potential but I don't know if he helps us that much this year. Toppin I have in my top 5 because he's one of the few guys I think could contribute offensively fairly quickly, and he's got the flexibility of inside and outside skills, so if his outside shot isn't going down, he can still do things. Or if he's getting bullied inside, he can still do things, and Toppin also rebounds well.

In other words, guys who are good at man defense and rebounding can succeed and contribute pretty quickly without a lot of training, while learning the other stuff. Rookies who are primarily shooters/scorers I worry about on this team in the short term.

[Mylie10]

I think I have this right...

In the history of Warriors drafts, the Warriors have only had one successful pick in the draft when drafting a highschool or one and done player ever, Monta Ellis.

Latrell Spreewell, Gilbert Arenas,Curry, Klay, Draymond, Harrison Barnes, Paschall...the only real modern day draft successes have all been multi-year players..the recent core of Klay, Draymond and Curry having three!

A bird in hand (known very good talent) is better than a two in the bush (totally unproven youngster who won't be physically ready for two more years)

If Warriors keep the draft pick...I hope they go for a guy with upside that is ready to plug in ...now.

I think they go for either:
1. Obi Topin
2. Deni Avdija

I mostly agree with this instinct that the Warriors would prefer someone with more experience and who can contribute immediately. And it makes sense with the short window they have and chip-or-bust mentality. Although, if you take that to the logical conclusion, that might mean they're more inclined to trade for a proven commodity as there are no sure things in this draft (or really any draft for that matter).

That's why I have 3 guys at the top of my list who can contribute defensively right away (Wiseman, Okoro, Okongwu), although even there it will take a regular season to get used to the help defense system, screening routes, etc. And especially Wiseman and Okongwu rebound really well, which is a place we get burnt pretty often. Edwards has crazy potential but I don't know if he helps us that much this year. Toppin I have in my top 5 because he's one of the few guys I think could contribute offensively fairly quickly, and he's got the flexibility of inside and outside skills, so if his outside shot isn't going down, he can still do things. Or if he's getting bullied inside, he can still do things, and Toppin also rebounds well.

In other words, guys who are good at man defense and rebounding can succeed and contribute pretty quickly without a lot of training, while learning the other stuff. Rookies who are primarily shooters/scorers I worry about on this team in the short term.

Great post

[Little Digger]

Drafting for need is almost always a disaster

[Mylie10]

Drafting for need is almost always a disaster

To me, Wiseman fits both need and BPA. He is bigger than Chriss and will instantly improve our rebounding and paint defense. He'll be able to outrun most of the centers he will play, and he's going to be really good on the offensive end.

Okungwu is redundant when we have Chriss. However, I like Okungwu as a player.

[Scoots1994]

I think I have this right...

In the history of Warriors drafts, the Warriors have only had one successful pick in the draft when drafting a highschool or one and done player ever, Monta Ellis.

Latrell Spreewell, Gilbert Arenas,Curry, Klay, Draymond, Harrison Barnes, Paschall...the only real modern day draft successes have all been multi-year players..the recent core of Klay, Draymond and Curry having three!

A bird in hand (known very good talent) is better than a two in the bush (totally unproven youngster who won't be physically ready for two more years)

If Warriors keep the draft pick...I hope they go for a guy with upside that is ready to plug in ...now.

I think they go for either:
1. Obi Topin
2. Deni Avdija

I mostly agree with this instinct that the Warriors would prefer someone with more experience and who can contribute immediately. And it makes sense with the short window they have and chip-or-bust mentality. Although, if you take that to the logical conclusion, that might mean they're more inclined to trade for a proven commodity as there are no sure things in this draft (or really any draft for that matter).

That's why I have 3 guys at the top of my list who can contribute defensively right away (Wiseman, Okoro, Okongwu), although even there it will take a regular season to get used to the help defense system, screening routes, etc. And especially Wiseman and Okongwu rebound really well, which is a place we get burnt pretty often. Edwards has crazy potential but I don't know if he helps us that much this year. Toppin I have in my top 5 because he's one of the few guys I think could contribute offensively fairly quickly, and he's got the flexibility of inside and outside skills, so if his outside shot isn't going down, he can still do things. Or if he's getting bullied inside, he can still do things, and Toppin also rebounds well.

In other words, guys who are good at man defense and rebounding can succeed and contribute pretty quickly without a lot of training, while learning the other stuff. Rookies who are primarily shooters/scorers I worry about on this team in the short term.

I agree to some extent. I think not only do they want a team they can get significant minutes to this year, they want someone who fills a hole on the roster, but maybe more than those things they want a player Kerr can work with. With that in mind there are several players I like for the Warriors in this draft, the only one who is regularly included in the top 5 is Wiseman who is unlikely to be available by the 4th pick, but I actually would prefer, if they have a chance to take Wiseman, that they trade down a few picks and take Okongwu and add another asset for the trade down.

[KevinMcreynolds]

Drafting for need is almost always a disaster

To me, Wiseman fits both need and BPA. He is bigger than Chriss and will instantly improve our rebounding and paint defense. He'll be able to outrun most of the centers he will play, and he's going to be really good on the offensive end.

Okungwu is redundant when we have Chriss. However, I like Okungwu as a player.

I like Wiseman too, but it's more enticing to me to have Obi alongside Draymond for them HIGHLIGHT REEL DUNKS YAWL

Out of those two at least. I'm all in on Edwards tho LESGO

[wco81]

To all the Okoro supporters: why would you draft Okoro instead of just signing Josh Jackson this offseason? By every measure Jackson is the better player. They have the same strengths and weaknesses, except that Jackson is taller, longer, and a better defender. He is also showing signs of actually developing an offensive game. Oh, and he would cost a fraction of what Okoro’s contract will be, even if the Warriors trade down to the 6th or 7th pick to take him.

Couple of wings who got a lot of playing time failed to improve their shooting during their rookie deals.

Stanley Johnson was let go by the Pistons after his rookie deal, played for 1 year with Pels for $1.4 million and then Raptors gave him a 2-year $7.4 million deal.

Rondae Hollis Jefferson was let go by the Nets after his rookie deal and signed a 1-year deal for $2.5 million with the Raptors.

RHJ gets 19 MPG and Johnson gets only 5 MPG. They're both bricking it, both well under 20% from 3-point range.

Athletic wings who can't shoot don't get minutes or money.

It's incredible that Jackson was such a high pick. But maybe he still has too much talent to give up on -- he's 23. He may improve his shooting efficiency but his FT percentages have always been under 70%.

So even his shooting ceiling may be average at best.

Can he do other things like defend or finish at a high enough rate? I don't know his shooting % in the restricted area but overall he's shooting in the low 40s throughout his career which suggests that even with all the perimeter shots he's taking, he's not that great a finisher.

Still some team may sign him on potential but maybe around $5 million a year at most?

Warriors have coaxed Marques Chriss to have some of the best production of his career, even on a bad team. I don't know if they or any other team can get more out of Jackson.

Can he mainly be a secondary player who catches and shoots to space out the court or attack closeouts? Or does he need the ball to try to create shots for himself?

[Little Digger]

I’m the only one on the internet who absolutely hates the way Edwards plays the game of basketball..Think an even lazier version of Isiah Rider.

I want massive props when he’s 28 , weighing 313 lbs and staring for the Ukraine Lions

[Scoots1994]

I’m the only one on the internet who absolutely hates the way Edwards plays the game of basketball..Think an even lazier version of Isiah Rider.

I want massive props when he’s 28 , weighing 313 lbs and staring for the Ukraine Lions

No, you are not.

[B-King]

1. Wiseman (keeper)
2. Edwards (on the fence)
3. Ball (trade fodder only)
4. Okongwu (keeper)
5. Toppin (trade down if possible for more assets)

[GQ Hot Dog]

I’m the only one on the internet who absolutely hates the way Edwards plays the game of basketball..Think an even lazier version of Isiah Rider.

I want massive props when he’s 28 , weighing 313 lbs and staring for the Ukraine Lions

That's when his career as an all pro left tackle begins.

[Sam Lowry Jr]

I’m the only one on the internet who absolutely hates the way Edwards plays the game of basketball..Think an even lazier version of Isiah Rider.

I want massive props when he’s 28 , weighing 313 lbs and staring for the Ukraine Lions

You think after the D'Angelo experience, they would want another ball dominant guard who is a questionable fit in Kerr's system.

[Scoots1994]

I’m the only one on the internet who absolutely hates the way Edwards plays the game of basketball..Think an even lazier version of Isiah Rider.

I want massive props when he’s 28 , weighing 313 lbs and staring for the Ukraine Lions

You think after the D'Angelo experience, they would want another ball dominant guard who is a questionable fit in Kerr's system.

I think that is a critical issue with this draft. They normally have a chance to interact with someone multiple times before they draft them, but now that access has been severely restricted. If they were convinced that Edwards was only "selfish" because of his situation then I'd have to have some faith that they know what they are talking about. But from the outside it sure looks like he's the sort of person who might be a ball hog chucker.

[wco81]

Have the Warriors ever drafted a one and done player?

I think this could be the first.

Of course it's been awhile since they had a top 5 or top 3 pick.

[GQ Hot Dog]

I’m the only one on the internet who absolutely hates the way Edwards plays the game of basketball..Think an even lazier version of Isiah Rider.

I want massive props when he’s 28 , weighing 313 lbs and staring for the Ukraine Lions

You think after the D'Angelo experience, they would want another ball dominant guard who is a questionable fit in Kerr's system.

I think that is a critical issue with this draft. They normally have a chance to interact with someone multiple times before they draft them, but now that access has been severely restricted. If they were convinced that Edwards was only "selfish" because of his situation then I'd have to have some faith that they know what they are talking about. But from the outside it sure looks like he's the sort of person who might be a ball hog chucker.

For the Warriors system, both offensive and defensive, a somewhat cerebral player is needed. Edwards doesn't come across that way, either with the way he plays or in interviews.

[Scoots1994]

You think after the D'Angelo experience, they would want another ball dominant guard who is a questionable fit in Kerr's system.

I think that is a critical issue with this draft. They normally have a chance to interact with someone multiple times before they draft them, but now that access has been severely restricted. If they were convinced that Edwards was only "selfish" because of his situation then I'd have to have some faith that they know what they are talking about. But from the outside it sure looks like he's the sort of person who might be a ball hog chucker.

For the Warriors system, both offensive and defensive, a somewhat cerebral player is needed. Edwards doesn't come across that way, either with the way he plays or in interviews.

I agree, but that was true of Kawhi too ... I just don't know if the team will get a chance to find out that depth of information. Personally, Edwards is not a player I want for the Warriors.

[wco81]

Edwards may be a high end version of Monta, able to create his own shots, maybe eventually be a 20 PPG, even 25 PPG per game. Of course that means a horrible fit with Steph and Klay, though at some point, the Warriors have to balance fit with the current core with longer-term future of the franchise too.

Or look at someone like Bradley Beal, who was a high lotto pick who took several seasons, maybe his fifth season to become an all-star with very good efficiency. Actually his 3P% and FT% was always good but his overall FG% didn't get good until his fifth year.

Maybe he improved his ball handling or maybe under a different coach, it was a better offense like this season, Wizards put up a lot of points but they didn't play any defense so his numbers are really inflated.

Concern with Edwards is he shot really poorly in his one season at GA. But was he chucking because the team was bad? He must have been very good to become one of the top recruits in the country coming out of HS.

[azwfan]

Have the Warriors ever drafted a one and done player?

I think this could be the first.

Of course it's been awhile since they had a top 5 or top 3 pick.

Jacob Evans was 1 and done. 1 year in the league - and done.

Edit: I actually think Looney may have been 1 and done (although he could have had an injured year in college).

[Mylie10]

I think that is a critical issue with this draft. They normally have a chance to interact with someone multiple times before they draft them, but now that access has been severely restricted. If they were convinced that Edwards was only "selfish" because of his situation then I'd have to have some faith that they know what they are talking about. But from the outside it sure looks like he's the sort of person who might be a ball hog chucker.

For the Warriors system, both offensive and defensive, a somewhat cerebral player is needed. Edwards doesn't come across that way, either with the way he plays or in interviews.

I agree, but that was true of Kawhi too ... I just don't know if the team will get a chance to find out that depth of information. Personally, Edwards is not a player I want for the Warriors.

I was on the Kawhi bandwagon while he was still in school. He was a very cerebral player and was a really good passer and initiator. So I disagree that Edwards is like Kawhi or vice a versa.

[GQ Hot Dog]

For the Warriors system, both offensive and defensive, a somewhat cerebral player is needed. Edwards doesn't come across that way, either with the way he plays or in interviews.

I agree, but that was true of Kawhi too ... I just don't know if the team will get a chance to find out that depth of information. Personally, Edwards is not a player I want for the Warriors.

I was on the Kawhi bandwagon while he was still in school. He was a very cerebral player and was a really good passer and initiator. So I disagree that Edwards is like Kawhi or vice a versa.

For sure, it was always clear Kawhi took basketball seriously. Anybody that predicates their game on defense first is someone I want on my team.

Edwards, otoh, just seems unserious. He's prone to taking the easy way out on the court which usually means jacking up a bad shot early in the shot clock. It could be he'll mature mentally but he's not at the top of my list because of it despite the tremendous physical tools.