2020 Draft Thread, Part 2

[jason bourne]

SIAP. Thanks, ShayDee. I just saw your post.

Here's a blurb of it from hoopsrumors.

"Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman Work Out For Warriors
October 23rd, 2020 at 12:58pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Warriors may prefer to trade down, but they got a close look at two players who will be high on their draft board if they keep the No. 2 pick, writes Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. During a recent trip to Atlanta and Miami, Golden State officials got to work out Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman, who were both described as “beasts.”

Wiseman showed off exceptional skills for a big man and his interview also impressed the delegation, which was made up of owner Joe Lacob, general manager Bob Myers, head coach Steve Kerr and director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini. Edwards’ athleticism and “freakishness” stood out during his session.

Golden State seems content with either player, regardless of what Minnesota does with the No. 1 pick. If the Wolves opt for LaMelo Ball, the Warriors would be faced with a difficult choice. They plan to be back in title contention next season and need someone who can contribute right away.

Edwards doesn’t seem like a perfect fit with most of the perimeter minutes ticketed for Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, and Thompson isn’t convinced that Edwards’ offensive game is refined enough to handle coming off the bench. Golden State has expressed a desire to add size this offseason, and Kerr is reluctant to use a three-guard lineup.

Wiseman has a chance to be a starter right away at center and may have the skills to develop into a perimeter big man like Anthony Davis. Wiseman could instantly be the shot blocker that Kerr is looking for, plus he can set screens, catch lobs and run the floor — basic skills that don’t take long to learn. However, there are questions about Wiseman after his short stint at Memphis, such as whether he is coachable and how quickly he can adapt to the read-and-react system that Golden State uses.

The Warriors also worked out Deni Avdija this week and are expected to meet with other prospects in case they move down in the draft. If they keep the No. 2 pick, Thompson believes it will come down to a choice of Edwards, Wiseman or Ball."

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2020/10/anthony-edwards-james-wiseman-work-out-for-warriors.html

[Scoots1994]

I do agree wiseman and Edwards are the best athletes meaning they have the most potential.

Potential is more about the mind than the body.

[wco81]

Is there a draft combine?

Can't believe there's uncertainty about the size and weight measurements of the top prospects still.

Yeah Edwards would be coming off the bench but they shouldn't draft him if he's only 6-3. His WS needs to be around 7 feet.

I don't know, is he another Fultz, a very athletic guy who can't shoot?

[Onus]

I do agree wiseman and Edwards are the best athletes meaning they have the most potential.

Potential is more about the mind than the body.

Your body can limit your potential but your mind is what allows you to reach your potential.

[jason bourne]

Some things that might happen on draft day. Either
1. Timberwolves Pick Ball and trade him to a team, or they keep him to trade later this season or next
2. Timberwolves pick Wiseman for the same reasons as Ball
3. If no trade is pre planned and they do not like Trade down offers, they pick either Toppin, Deni, Ball(To keep)
4. Warriors will Take Ball if he is there to facilitate a preplanned trade regardless of who is on the board
5 If Ball is picked 1. Warriors will pick between Wiseman and Deni to keep or facilitate a trade(for trade down or out)

Edwards is not going top 2 this draft. I'm 95% certain The only way now he goes in top 2 is if something happened with some prospects medicals or He impresses so much in workouts/interviews. As it stand right now I doubt Warriors/Wolves like him as a prospect

Still most likely options that will happen. GS might be hyping Deni up to not disappoint fans when they pick him, like when the Kings did with Bagley and they skipped Luka. Vlad e was seriously hyping Bagley before the draft, saying all sorts of things like he can play SF, better fit next to fox, the team like Bagley better etc. Instead of picking the BPA, look how that turned out.

I still believe Wiseman is the BPA in this draft, but like I said situation matters for a prospect, I do not believe Warriors will do Wiseman justice in his development even if I know he is more NBA ready than advertised, the coaching would just not give him a chance and minutes. So whoever gets him later good luck. It will most likely be Deni if we stay at 2

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

[northoakland510]

Some things that might happen on draft day. Either
1. Timberwolves Pick Ball and trade him to a team, or they keep him to trade later this season or next
2. Timberwolves pick Wiseman for the same reasons as Ball
3. If no trade is pre planned and they do not like Trade down offers, they pick either Toppin, Deni, Ball(To keep)
4. Warriors will Take Ball if he is there to facilitate a preplanned trade regardless of who is on the board
5 If Ball is picked 1. Warriors will pick between Wiseman and Deni to keep or facilitate a trade(for trade down or out)

Edwards is not going top 2 this draft. I'm 95% certain The only way now he goes in top 2 is if something happened with some prospects medicals or He impresses so much in workouts/interviews. As it stand right now I doubt Warriors/Wolves like him as a prospect

Still most likely options that will happen. GS might be hyping Deni up to not disappoint fans when they pick him, like when the Kings did with Bagley and they skipped Luka. Vlad e was seriously hyping Bagley before the draft, saying all sorts of things like he can play SF, better fit next to fox, the team like Bagley better etc. Instead of picking the BPA, look how that turned out.

I still believe Wiseman is the BPA in this draft, but like I said situation matters for a prospect, I do not believe Warriors will do Wiseman justice in his development even if I know he is more NBA ready than advertised, the coaching would just not give him a chance and minutes. So whoever gets him later good luck. It will most likely be Deni if we stay at 2

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

Naw let Myles stay in the eastern conference.

[Onus]

Some things that might happen on draft day. Either
1. Timberwolves Pick Ball and trade him to a team, or they keep him to trade later this season or next
2. Timberwolves pick Wiseman for the same reasons as Ball
3. If no trade is pre planned and they do not like Trade down offers, they pick either Toppin, Deni, Ball(To keep)
4. Warriors will Take Ball if he is there to facilitate a preplanned trade regardless of who is on the board
5 If Ball is picked 1. Warriors will pick between Wiseman and Deni to keep or facilitate a trade(for trade down or out)

Edwards is not going top 2 this draft. I'm 95% certain The only way now he goes in top 2 is if something happened with some prospects medicals or He impresses so much in workouts/interviews. As it stand right now I doubt Warriors/Wolves like him as a prospect

Still most likely options that will happen. GS might be hyping Deni up to not disappoint fans when they pick him, like when the Kings did with Bagley and they skipped Luka. Vlad e was seriously hyping Bagley before the draft, saying all sorts of things like he can play SF, better fit next to fox, the team like Bagley better etc. Instead of picking the BPA, look how that turned out.

I still believe Wiseman is the BPA in this draft, but like I said situation matters for a prospect, I do not believe Warriors will do Wiseman justice in his development even if I know he is more NBA ready than advertised, the coaching would just not give him a chance and minutes. So whoever gets him later good luck. It will most likely be Deni if we stay at 2

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

Why would warren be a 6th man?

[KevinMcreynolds]

What elite skill does Deni have?

I dunno about "elite", but from watching his videos his strengths are ball handling, passing, finishing, team defense, help defense...basically versatility and a natural understanding of the game. All good skills to have and a perfect fit for today's NBA. I would have no problem taking him #2 if he shot better. If he was more like 35% 3P and 80% FT I would be all over him.

[jason bourne]

Still most likely options that will happen. GS might be hyping Deni up to not disappoint fans when they pick him, like when the Kings did with Bagley and they skipped Luka. Vlad e was seriously hyping Bagley before the draft, saying all sorts of things like he can play SF, better fit next to fox, the team like Bagley better etc. Instead of picking the BPA, look how that turned out.

I still believe Wiseman is the BPA in this draft, but like I said situation matters for a prospect, I do not believe Warriors will do Wiseman justice in his development even if I know he is more NBA ready than advertised, the coaching would just not give him a chance and minutes. So whoever gets him later good luck. It will most likely be Deni if we stay at 2

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

Why would warren be a 6th man?

He's coming to the Warriors instead of Dray going to the Pacers.

[jason bourne]

Anyway, here are some of the salary constraints the Ws are facing:

"The Warriors are facing enormous luxury tax bills
In the best-case scenario, the league and players’ association are able to negotiate a deal with the salary cap fixed at current levels of spending. This would mean a cap of $109.14m and a tax line of $132.6m.

For the Golden State Warriors that best-case scenario is still crippling financially. Just with the contracts they have on the books next year, including the second pick in the 2020 Draft, the Warriors will be paying around $157.5m in player salaries. That is $25m over the luxury tax threshold, meaning a tax bill of around $63.75m, and a total payroll and tax bill of $221.25m.

Add in the TPE and taxpayer Mid Level Exception (MLE), expected to be around $5.7m, and their salaries jump to around $177.5m. That is $45m over the tax threshold, meaning their salary tax bill jumps up by $100m to a whopping $163.75m. Overall they’d be on the hook for around $341m if they use all the tools they can to build a championship contender.

That would be a huge financial cost in the best of times. But at least they would have Chase Center revenues flowing in, which would make it plausible to spend that amount of money on their basketball team. In the current climate, those revenue streams are something they can’t count on.

Will the Warriors spend big on basketball?
Given the option, the Warriors have generally spent whatever they need to in order to put a winning team on the floor. The Warriors organization understands that the incredible success of their business — the franchise stands fifth in Forbes’ rankings of the world’s most valuable sports teams with a valuation of $4.3bn — gets an almighty assist from the likes of Curry, Thompson, and Green on the court. Indeed Warriors President Rick Welts has stated that “better teams are going to create more value period.”

But they have also made financially driven choices recently, most notably trading away a host of players at the trade deadline back in February, including D’Angelo Russell, to duck under the luxury tax line this season. This meant they will avoid the “repeater tax” in the 2021 season, which increases the tax penalties for teams repeatedly over the luxury tax. That has turned out to be a huge positive, potentially saving them as much as $45m.

Faced with this double-whammy of sky-high luxury tax bills and up to 80% of their revenues at risk, what will the Warriors do? Can they use all the tools at their disposal to put a winning team on the floor, most notably their $17.2m TPE?

The answer lies somewhere in the recognition that the Warriors’ do not harbor short-term ambitions. They have a long-term vision that they want to execute. They know at some point they will have fans back in Chase Center, and they are actively preparing for that. They may be some short-term pain to maximize their championship window, but with those future revenues they are in a better position than most NBA teams to weather the storm. Indeed ESPN’s Brian Windhorst previously reported that the Warriors were exploring a deal with Goldman Sachs GS -0.2% “to raise up to $250m to manage coming expenses.”

Crucially, if they do not use the $17.2m TPE, it expires. Absent trading one of their core, or the unlikely scenario of shifting the $94.7m left on Andrew Wiggins’ outsized contract, they will have no other option to add a veteran player earning above the taxpayer MLE for the foreseeable future. That means if they want to win, they need to use the TPE now or forever hold their peace.

The Warriors will have choices
The Warriors will certainly want to keep that salary slot alive, and with it future flexibility including the possibility of executing a superstar trade without having to include the negative value of Wiggins’ contract. So they’ll have to bite the bullet financially.

But within that framework they have choices. For starters, if they don’t use the taxpayer MLE, or just use it to hand out longer minimum contracts as they did to secure second-round draft pick Eric Paschall for an extra season on the cheap, the Warriors would save around $34.5m in salary and tax bills, spending a total of around $307m.

They can also add a useful player with the TPE and keep the salary slot alive without maxing out on the dollar amount. For example, taking in San Antonio’s Rudy Gay who is due $14.5m next year, would save another $16m in salary and tax penalties, taking the Warriors’ projected spend to $290m.

Their best option financially may actually be their best option on the court. If the Warriors combine the TPE with their draft pick they should be able to get a much better veteran. A trade of the number two pick for Marcus Smart and Boston’s 14th pick would not only give them a championship-level defense and a much deeper, more versatile wing rotation, but also save $9m in salary.

That could be enough to drop the Warriors down two luxury tax brackets, saving a further $50m. Combined with not using the taxpayer MLE, that would mean a total salary bill of around $163m and a tax bill of $85m, for a total cost of $248m in player salaries and luxury tax.

And with the prospect of a genuine championship contender, and a potential return of fans to arenas at some point in the 2021 season, that may well be a price worth paying."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickmurray/2020/10/04/will-the-golden-state-warriors-pay-the-price-for-another-championship/#45e3f9aef934

[KevinMcreynolds]

If anyone has Sirius XM search for "NBA Draft Preview Show", there was an interesting episode yesterday about how teams strategically feed misinformation before the draft.

[ShayDee]

Actually I've come to the conclusion Warriors would rather trade the pick than Keep it. If they keep it is Deni, but right now they are hyping up prospects to keep the value of the top 3 picks very high for trade purposes. Right now FOs and everyone is devaluing the pick, so Warriors trying their best to paint the prospects very well and saying stuff like they have all star potential.

Ideally they trade down and get a future 1st but such offer might not be available now and the trade down offers they are getting are doodoo. Like Maybe Detroit is giving up Kennard/Rose and 7 to move up but Warriors saying no. Or knicks refusing to add future picks and offering up Frank/Knox + 8 and 27 to move and warriors not accepting. I doubt RJ/Mitch is up for anything as of right now. Suns maybe also are offering what some fans like with Oubre for pick swap, but warriors want that juicy 2021 pick.

And rightfully so, we should not devalue the pick even if other teams are right now. If they don't offer proper compensation then we should just take the highest potential player and trade them later

[Onus]

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

Why would warren be a 6th man?

He's coming to the Warriors instead of Dray going to the Pacers.

Warren is a sf

[ILOVEIT]

Some things that might happen on draft day. Either
1. Timberwolves Pick Ball and trade him to a team, or they keep him to trade later this season or next
2. Timberwolves pick Wiseman for the same reasons as Ball
3. If no trade is pre planned and they do not like Trade down offers, they pick either Toppin, Deni, Ball(To keep)
4. Warriors will Take Ball if he is there to facilitate a preplanned trade regardless of who is on the board
5 If Ball is picked 1. Warriors will pick between Wiseman and Deni to keep or facilitate a trade(for trade down or out)

Edwards is not going top 2 this draft. I'm 95% certain The only way now he goes in top 2 is if something happened with some prospects medicals or He impresses so much in workouts/interviews. As it stand right now I doubt Warriors/Wolves like him as a prospect

Still most likely options that will happen. GS might be hyping Deni up to not disappoint fans when they pick him, like when the Kings did with Bagley and they skipped Luka. Vlad e was seriously hyping Bagley before the draft, saying all sorts of things like he can play SF, better fit next to fox, the team like Bagley better etc. Instead of picking the BPA, look how that turned out.

I still believe Wiseman is the BPA in this draft, but like I said situation matters for a prospect, I do not believe Warriors will do Wiseman justice in his development even if I know he is more NBA ready than advertised, the coaching would just not give him a chance and minutes. So whoever gets him later good luck. It will most likely be Deni if we stay at 2

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

That does seem to be the trade that makes sense if they decided to move the pick and Wiggins.

[ILOVEIT]

Question regarding the 2021 lottery pick from Wolves. On the Jump someone said the pick was unprotected???

Can you guys confirm it's protected top 3 then moves to following year unprotected if it lands in the top 3?

[jason bourne]

Why would warren be a 6th man?

He's coming to the Warriors instead of Dray going to the Pacers.

Warren is a sf

He can play either backup SF or PF for the Warriors. With Wiggins gone, I see Eric Paschall at starting SF. The Warriors can go big with Myles Turner at C and moving Chriss, Looney, or Toscano-Anderson to backup PF.

What do you think? Will the Warriors become more flexible with adding Turner and Warren?

I'm not as sure if Ws trade the #2 pick + Wiggins to the Knicks for Mitchell Robinson, #8 + Randle + Harkless?. I mean it may be too much for the Knicks.

[jason bourne]

Question regarding the 2021 lottery pick from Wolves. On the Jump someone said the pick was unprotected???

Can you guys confirm it's protected top 3 then moves to following year unprotected if it lands in the top 3?

https://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/DraftTrades/Future/Warriors.htm

[xdrta+]

He's coming to the Warriors instead of Dray going to the Pacers.

Warren is a sf

He can play either backup SF or PF for the Warriors. With Wiggins gone, I see Eric Paschall at starting SF. The Warriors can go big with Myles Turner at C and moving Chriss, Looney, or Toscano-Anderson to backup PF.

What do you think? Will the Warriors become more flexible with adding Turner and Warren?

I'm not as sure if Ws trade the #2 pick + Wiggins to the Knicks for Mitchell Robinson, #8 + Randle + Harkless?. I mean it may be too much for the Knicks.

Warren is strictly a SF and there is no way that Paschall is a SF, let alone a starting one.

[Warriors Analyst]

He's coming to the Warriors instead of Dray going to the Pacers.

Warren is a sf

He can play either backup SF or PF for the Warriors. With Wiggins gone, I see Eric Paschall at starting SF. The Warriors can go big with Myles Turner at C and moving Chriss, Looney, or Toscano-Anderson to backup PF.

What do you think? Will the Warriors become more flexible with adding Turner and Warren?

I'm not as sure if Ws trade the #2 pick + Wiggins to the Knicks for Mitchell Robinson, #8 + Randle + Harkless?. I mean it may be too much for the Knicks.

None of those positional fits would make this team better, not even in 2010. I don't know how you can post here as often as you do and presumably have watched basketball in the last ten years and think that Paschall is a small forward or that Looney or Chriss would be playing PF.

As for the trade, Turner and Warren would be great fits. Warren would be our starting 3 and he could moonlight at the 4 when we go small. I'm all in favor.,

[Old_Blue]

The Warriors are doing their due diligence, but I think the Warriors will end up using the #2 to trade Andrew Wiggins as they need to shed his salary in order to get the pieces they need. The best deal so far that has been rumored is:

Warriors get: Myles Turner + TJ Warren
Pacers get: #2 pick + Andrew Wiggins

I think the Ws will realize that Covid-19 won’t allow them to make full use of Chase Center and be able to compete with Wiggins.

This will fill out the starting roster and give Draymond a break. Maybe he'll be able to get his legs and 3-pt shot back. It also allows the Ws to have Warren as sixth man. I just hope they will be able to keep the 2021 Minny draft pick.

If the Pacers were dumb enough to do this deal, the Warriors would end up with the best starting five in the NBA. Plus, they'd still have all their picks in next year's superior draft. It's too good to be true.