The Golden State Warriors currently hold two selections in this year’s NBA Draft, holding the No. 7 and No. 14 overall selections.
Golden State has expressed interest in trading one or both of their picks for a player who can make an immediate impact with Bradley Beal being atop their wishlist. Trading for the All-NBA guard appears unlikely at this time and the team is reportedly having trouble finding the right trade given the lack of top-level talent available on the market right now.
Let’s assume the Warriors keep their picks, what are the best, realistic options at each spot:
No.7 – (via Minnesota) – Davion Mitchell, 6-foot-1 guard, Baylor
Davion Mitchell flourished during his workout with the Warriors, which boosted his stock. Golden State is brimming with shooters, so adding a guard like Mitchell (whose game is focused on other aspects) would be a good addition for their unit.
Mitchell is one of the more experienced players in the draft at 23-years-old, which is perfect for Golden State, considering they aren’t in a rebuild position. Instead, they are going all out for a championship, so having a guy who can make an immediate impact would make a lot more sense than a player that needs to develop. Mitchell averaged 13.8 points and 5.7 assists per game last season, leading his team to a win over Gonzaga in the National Championship.
No.14 – Franz Wagner, 6-foot-8 forward, Michigan
Franz Wagner—brother of NBA Player Moritz Wagner, is projected to go anywhere between the No. 7 and No. 15 picks. Wagner started in all 55 games he played. Wagner managed 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds while shooting 47.7% from the field.
If Golden State does, in fact, select guard Davion Mitchell then it seems more likely for them to select a forward at No.14. Wagner is a player who has a solid defensive game and can play either of the three or the four. He would provide fresh legs off the bench behind Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green in the team’s forward rotation.
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