Although the NBA is waiting to crown a champion between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat, the Golden State Warriors have shifted gears into draft mode.
In November, the Golden State Warriors will be on the clock with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 edition of the NBA Draft. Leading up to draft night, the Warriors will be interviewing members of the 2020 prospect pool as Bob Myers and Steve Kerr do their pre-draft homework.
During the NBA Draft Combine, the Warriors will have another opportunity to speak with draft prospects virtually. At the combine, French prospect Killian Hayes confirmed he’s spoken to the Warriors. In an interview with members of the media at the combine, Hayes said it would be “real fun” to play alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
Via LetsGoWarriors on YouTube:
When I had an interview, I thought a lot about playing with these guys. With guys like Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and [Steph] Curry — they’re all really great shooters. So I feel like playing with them would be real fun. You can see when they play the game; they always have fun on the court.
In 10 games for ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, the 19-year-old wing averaged 12.8 points, 6.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest. Hayes shot 39% from deep on 4.1 attempts from beyond the arc in the EuroCup.
Hayes ranks as the No. 5 prospect on the Warriors Wire NBA Draft Big Board.
Killian Hayes. Whew. pic.twitter.com/3a7xzZR1HB
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) May 2, 2020
The addition of Hayes would add a new level of energy to Golden State’s backcourt. The at 6-foot-5 guard is known for his pace and ability to sling the ball up and down the court with creativity. Hayes would immediately compete with Jordan Poole, Ky Bowman and Damion Lee for a role in Kerr’s second unit. If Hayes lands in the Bay Area, he could provide Kerr with another playmaking choice off the bench with Eric Paschall.
After Curry missed 55 games in 2019-20 due to a significant hand injury, the Warriors will need a reliable option behind the two-time Most Valuable Player next season.
