No matter the draft pick, there are always labels attached after the selection. Upside, boom or bust, sleeper and reach are all terms that are consistently thrown out when draft season arrives. These types of tags are especially heavy when drafting in the lottery — something the Golden State Warriors haven’t had to worry about over the past five seasons.
For the first time in years, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will be tasked with finding a blue-chip prospect at the top of the NBA draft. Golden State’s 15-50 record has set them up for an early pick in the 2020 edition of the draft.
Golden State should have the chance to add a top-billed prospect like Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman or Obi Toppin when they’re on the clock. Along with the aforementioned trio, LaMelo Ball and Onyeka Okongwu lead most 2020 draft big boards. However, what if the Warriors decide to go outside of the box with their top-pick?
While the term reach is generally considered a negative when it comes to draft season, the Warriors could look to target a specific player that will help them get back to the playoffs as soon as next season.
Instead of a player that’s marked as a project with potential, the Warriors could reach for a prospect that would fit nicely alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Warriors Wire looked at three prospects the Warriors could potentially reach for in the draft.
Saddiq Bey — Villanova
Sophomore – Forward – 6-foot-8 – 216 lbs
After having success with Eric Paschall in 2019, the Warriors could turn back to Villanova 2020. Saddiq Bey’s knack for knocking down the open jumper from deep would help him fit perfectly in the Bay Area.
In his Sophomore season in Jay Wright’s program, Bey led the Wildcats with 16.1 points per game on 47.7% shooting from the field.
Once his feet are set, Bey shows off his clean jumper from deep. The Maryland native shot 45.1% from beyond the arc while adding 4.2 rebounds per game. Bey drilled four or more triples in 10 games for Villanova this season. Against Georgetown, the forward hit eight 3-pointers on his way to scoring a career-high 33 points.
Via @NBADraftWass on Twitter:
Bey had a nice offensive toolbox to break down defenders when he’s not letting it fly from long distance. To get to the rim, the 21-year-old throws a bevy of moves at his opponents with a veteran-like approach.
Bey could immediately contribute as a reliable catch and shoot option in Kerr’s offense. With his mix of shooting and willing passing at 6-foot-8, Bey could be the missing link to the Warriors’ new-look “death lineup.”
Patrick Williams — Florida State
Freshman – Wing – 6-foot-8 – 225 lbs
While he may not be at the top of many mock drafts, the Warriors could consider turning to Florida State’s do-it-all wing Patrick Williams in the first round.
In his only season in Tallahassee, Williams averaged 9.2 points on 45.9% shooting from the field with four rebounds per contest. The ACC Sixth-Man of the Year added one assist, block and steal per game.
The Seminole freshman has a springy up-and-down jumper with the form to continue to improve. The ACC All-Freshman Team member uses his bounce and high release to rise above defenders and let it fly wherever he is on the court.
Via @theACCDN on Twitter:
Williams is exceptionally active without the basketball — always cutting or crashing the boards. The 18-year-old could thrive with the spacing Curry and Thompson provide on the court together.
With nearly a seven-foot wingspan, Williams is versatile on the defensive end of the floor. Williams’ combination of length and athleticism help him stick with smaller guards and bigger forwards. With his understanding of angles and team-defense, Williams often relies on his high basketball IQ regardless of the position he’s guarding.
With both Paschall and Williams in the lineup, Kerr would have two creative options behind Green in the Warriors rotation.
Kira Lewis Jr. — Alabama
Sophomore – guard – 6-foot-3 – 165 lbs
Curry’s injury absence has proved the Golden State Warriors desperately need an option behind their two-time Most Valuable Player. Although the combination of Ky Bowman, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee has flashed at times, the Warriors could eye a young point guard in the draft. Enter Alabama’s Kira Lewis Jr.
On his way to a First-Team All-SEC nod, Lewis averaged 18.5 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field. In his second season in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide guard added 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
The Alabama sophomore is so fast; the term “speedster” might not do him justice. In the open court, Lewis Jr. accelerates into a blur from baseline to baseline. Lewis Jr. uses his quick first step to blast past defenders at the top of the pick and roll.
Via @jackfrank_jjf on Twitter:
Lewis Jr. is a quick processor when running the Alamaba offense. If his teammate has a second of daylight — the point guard isn’t afraid to rifle it across the court. Despite his exciting style, Lewis Jr.’s fast play can lead to turnovers and reckless finishes at the basket.
The lethal speed of Lewis Jr. would provide Golden State with a crafty change of pace weapon behind Curry.
