Who Could Warriors Pair With Steph Curry in NBA Draft?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 12:56 PM ET

Despite their rush and desperation to build one last winning roster around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors have managed to hold onto their 2025 NBA Draft pick in the first round. Touted as one of the most loaded classes in recent memory, the Warriors are expected to use the pick to add to their young core of Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Moses Moody, and Johnathan Kuminga.

Golden State, right now, is out of the playoff picture but isn't bad enough to tank for a top pick. Besides, Curry and Green wouldn't stand for a rebuild unless either of them gets traded away.

According to The Athletic's most recent mock draft (subscription required), the Warriors will pick 14th and will draft French guard Nolan Traore from Saint-Quentin of the French League.

Traore was seen as a lock for a top-ten pick entering the draft cycle, but his inefficient scoring has done a number on his stock. Currently averaging 10.4 points and 5.1 assists, he makes only 23.9 percent of his shots behind the arc and a lowly 34 percent of his shots from the floor, which are both down from his first professional season.

While his shooting is a very real concern, he has the handles and speed to get his shot off, it's just a matter of finding the net. On top of that, he has the physical tools to be a steady starting point guard in the league despite being a bit undersized. From day one, the Warriors could have him and Podziemski share the backcourt for the second unit, building Traore's confidence until he is ready to take the torch in The Bay.

If the Warriors rise much in the standings, Traore likely won't be on the board when they pick, but there are plenty of fish in the sea.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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