Golden State has a “Golden” #2 Pick
By: Lawrence Brooks
Rumor has it the Warriors will explore trade options with their #2 pick in the draft. Which makes total sense considering their experienced nucleus. The Dubs obviously want to get right back into their winning ways, so seeking a veteran that is built for the fire now would be ideal. However, I don’t think keeping the #2 pick is a bad idea. There’s an ideal rookie they can add to their roster that can help now. His name is James Wiseman.
James Wiseman played at Memphis Unversity for a grand total of 3 games. Averaging 19.7pts/10.7reb/3blk/ with a 76.9fg% and 70.4% from the foul line. He has a skill set that is becoming more valuable by the day in NBA circles and offers immediate help in an area the Warriors need. James is a 7’1 big man that is long, athletic, and provides rim protection. The Warriors lack size around the basket after letting a serviceable guy like Javale McGee walk. This would help to replace his production and potential for more as a player with scoring upside as well. The best part about his potential to score is that it won’t be a necessity while having the “Splash Bros” back at full health and a plethora of guys who can chip in when needed. That includes a healthy Draymond Green as well. The role offensively he can fit immediately will be as a rim runner and backside finisher. Draymond has mastered getting downhill out of the pick n roll to create a halfcourt fastbreak of sorts. Once he sees the numbers advantage and one less defender he makes the correct decision almost every time. Wiseman would be an excellent lob finisher off the backside. Dray executes this as well as anyone in the league. This could be Wiseman’s role offensively, kind of like a Capela when in Houston.
The fabric in which the Warriors are built on revolves around versatility. James is a player that not only cures a need for size, but his athletic ability lends itself to their culture. Being an athletic, rangy big will allow him to switch out on screens and keep up with the pace of their game. The secret to all of this is James won’t have a massive responsibility on either end of the court which allows him to mature in a way we saw Tyler Herro throughout this year. Surrounded by vets that already know the ropes and carry the majority of team duties nightly. This typically happens when playoff teams draft a quality player late in the first round. Just so happens this will happen in the lottery! Rare times for a franchise like Golden State that can quickly bounce back into playoff form after a tumultuous year full of injuries.
There aren’t many better to be groomed by on the defensive end than Draymond Green and he will take the bigger assignments nightly. That will certainly give James time to find his footing. Then on offense, he won’t be asked to do much which brings the pressure down a ton. As his confidence grows and acclimation to the NBA game sets in, they could have a major contributor going late into the season. James isn’t a consistent shooter, but he is a capable shooter. The cupboard isn’t bare, so improvement seems likely. That will be essential to keeping the floor spread but again, he won’t be counted on early for much offensive production so whatever the Dubs get will be a bonus. The Warriors also pride themselves in player development so having a potential star that is able to come along at his own pace is a luxury. Not to mention, he has a skill set that will allow him to contribute immediately. He is a willing rebounder, can rebound in traffic, runs the floor, and has a competitive fire. Add that with the culture and tutelage Golden State offers and this seems like an excellent fit for their organization. Many believe he can be DeAndre Jordan but with a little more offensive upside. If that is the case, he will be a game-changer and push the Warriors back into title-contending status (if they aren’t already). If the Warriors keep the 2nd pick, then Wiseman should be their target.
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