One year ago today, the Golden State Warriors were on their way to their fifth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. Today, they’re about to make a top 5 selection in the NBA Draft. Injuries (and the departure of a superstar) temporarily derailed the former champs.
By the time to season starts back up next season they’ll have shiny new toy. The Warriors arguably have more options here than anyone else. They can draft nearly any position and get away with it, whereas most teams are looking for a specific fit.
For Golden State, they could pick James Wiseman, Obi Toppin, or LaMelo Ball.
Ball has to be the most interesting. One of the worries about draft him is his erratic shot selection, so if he’s put in a situation where that’s able to be closely monitored and even controlled, he’s going to get better a lot faster.
He’s one of the best passers in the draft, and if he’s put in a situation where he actually has offensive weapons around him, he can prioritize his facilitating instead of his shooting.
Ball would also fit in because he – much like his would be teammates in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson – has limitless range. His ability to knock down shots from ranges further than the gym will allow is magnificent.
Defensively however, he’s anything but. That’ll be his biggest weakness at the next level.