This is assuming Dybansta, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson, Acuff, Wagler, Brown Jr, and Flemings are off the board.
Tier One: The Dream Picks
1. Hannes Steinbach, Washington PF/C Steinbach is my dream target for the Golden State Warriors. He is a superstar rebounder, and led college in boards playing against centers up to 4 years older than him. He is one of the most fluid bigs I have ever seen, and is extremely agile and smooth when he moves, which will be big in the NBA. His shot mechanics are good, and he could develop into a solid shooter at the next level. He has good measurements, is a good height for a center, and has a +4 wingspan. People are overlooking him because he was on a bad team, but fans will see his talent soon. He is High IQ, and fits the Warriors now, while also giving them a long term big man for the future. Don’t overthink it.
2. Brayden Burries, Arizona G Burries is the 1B behind Steinbach for me. He has a ton of shot-making ability, and can be a 3-level scorer in the NBA. He has a solid outside shot. His midrange is great, and he can drive to the rim and score. He is solid defensively, although his instincts need work. There is a pathway for him to become a potential two-way star. While he is a 21 year old freshman, I still believe he has great upside. His versatility and plug-and-play style will earn him minutes early under Steve Kerr. Buries can contribute now, and in the future. A great pick at 11, as Milwaukee or Dallas could scoop him up before us.
Tier Two: Solid Picks, Wouldn’t be mad
3. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan F I don’t know how I feel about Lendeborg, but the reasons for picking him are obvious. This is a guy with good measurements, solid shooting, great defense, athleticism, and some nice feel and IQ. He won a national championship with Michigan. And he hasn’t been playing organized basketball for that long. However, his age is where I get split on him. Lendeborg will be 24 by the time his first NBA season starts. To put that in perspective, Anthony Edwards is only one month older than him, and has already played 6 NBA seasons. I grade Lendeborg as a third-year player who is 21-22 (Factoring in experience), and ask myself if I would draft that player. And frankly, I think I would take him in that 11-15 range! He is a win-now piece who would play under Kerr, and round out our team a bit.
4. Labaron Philon Jr, Alabama Philon is a speedy floor general, and can really pass. He has a high IQ, and in his second season at Alabama, has really shown he can run an offense. His handle is insane as well. He hits so many pull-up threes and can create his shot extremely well. I would love to have him as the future ball-handler. However, his weight and strength are concerning. He had a full season to get stronger, and couldn't do much. If he can’t bulk, he will get bullied defensively and will be unable to shift defenses on offense. This will make him a Rob Dillingham or Bones Hyland. However, I do see the vision.
5. Morez Johnson Jr, Michigan PF/C Morez Johnson Jr, is a high motor big man out of Michigan. While he is a tad undersized for a big, he is an elite rebounder with great strength. Johnson has an incredible plus wingspan. He also has shown that he can hit the three, which is a massive plus for someone with his skillset. Johnson has bounce, hustle and a shot. The only reason he is at six is because he won’t change too much for our team. He’s not a needle mover as much for us, and while it would be great to have him, there are better options available at his position. However, I wouldn’t hate the pick at all. I think Johnson will have a long NBA Career.
Tier Three: NO
6. Aday Mara, Michigan C I am sure that Mara can be a starting center in the NBA. However, he doesn’t fit us. Everyone mocks Mara to Golden State without realizing that while yes, he gives us the size we need, and yes, he has some passing IQ, there are some issues. For starters, his passing can at times lead to awful low IQ plays. For another, Mara is extremely limited when it comes to mobility and switchability, which is a must-have in the Warriors’ system. Mara also has shown no signs of being a shooter, and is not even passable. His foul shots are atrocious, and his threes aren’t good either. He is also not strong enough yet to serve as the anchor to a playoff team. If we are drafting for now, take Lendeborg or anyone in the top two. If we are drafting for long-term, then take Philon or anyone in the top two. Mara is not the answer for us, although he may be for Chicago, Atlanta or OKC
7. Cameron Carr, Baylor G/F (I don't like) I see people mock Carr to us all the time. Every time I see it, I ask, why? and pray that we don’t take him. This may sound dramatic, but here is my reasoning. I understand that Cameron Carr is an explosive, athletic 3&D wing with great spot up shooting and shot blocking. And no, this doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be a bust. He might even be a great Trey Murphy-type player! However, he won’t with us. And I say this for a couple reasons. For one, Carr’s defense is almost purely hypothetical. He is bullied by smaller players, and doesn’t have the best instincts. For another, his shot creation is limited, and that would be a big reason for taking him at 11. But here’s the big thing. First, Carr has like, 0 Basketball IQ. Like, next to none. He blows transition plays with awful flashy passes, he consistently doesn’t operate screens successfully, and doesn’t make the right passes. He can also be lazy. And Kerr will almost certainly bench him his first few years. Don’t forget, this is a guy who quit on his Tennessee team and transferred to Baylor without even telling his coach, because of playing time. It feels like another Kuminga situation. He might become a good player, but not here with our current setup. So please Golden State, DON’T DRAFT CAM CARR.
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