With the NBA season on hold, the Golden State Warriors are turning their attention to the summer. For the first time in years, the Warriors look destined to own a top pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
In a San Francisco radio interview on Thursday, Steve Kerr said that Bob Myers gave him “about seven or eight” prospects the Warriors are “zeroing in on” for June’s draft.
Via KNBR 680:
Bob and his staff kind of gave me about seven or eight college guys that we’re zeroing in on for the draft. So, I’ve been doing that for them and then also for, for some of the free agents.
While the 2020 draft doesn’t have a headlining name like Zion Williamson, there’s a bevy of intriguing options at the top of the lottery. With no clear consensus number one prospect, the Warriors will be challenged with finding the right fit for their run back to the playoffs.
With the draft three months away, Warriors Wire examined the 2020 draft class to find the potential top eight prospects that fit in Golden State.
Honorable Mentions
Although Golden State has a 15-50 record, there’s still a chance they will make their selection out of the top three. When the NBA returns to action, the Warriors will have 17 games remaining on the schedule. During the final stretch of the season, Golden State will get back a healthy Stephen Curry.
The two-time Most Valuable Player missed nearly 60 games on the year and will use the remaining games on the schedule as a tune-up for next season. If Curry’s presence wills Golden State to some wins down the stretch, the current draft order could change by June.
Golden State could also look to move their top pick for a veteran to pair with Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. If they choose to trade their pick and target a player outside the top-five, there are still some interesting prospects Golden State could select.
Tyrese Maxey – Kentucky – Guard – 19 – 6-foot-2
Cole Anthony – North Carlina – Guard – 20 – 6-foot-3
Killian Hayes – Ratiopharm Ulm – Guard – 18 – 6-foot-5
Aaron Nesmith – Vanderbilt – Forward – 20 – 6-foot-6
Vernon Carey Jr. – Duke – Big – 18 – 6-foot-10
James Wiseman – Memphis – Big – 19 – 7-foot-1
Although he only played three games in his only college season, James Wiseman was considered the preseason’s top prospect for a reason. At only 19, Wiseman possesses ideal size for a big man with his 7-foot-6 wingspan.
Wiseman should be able to help right away as a rim running big man that can contribute in the pick and roll. The former Memphis Tiger isn’t a refined shooter, but the framework of his jump shot provides hope for the future.
Wiseman would give Golden State the first genuine elite center prospect they’ve had in the Curry era.
Deni Avdija – Macabbi Tel Aviv – Forward – 19 – 6-foot-8
If Golden State is looking for a developmental project to mold into their rotation for the future, Deni Avdija is a player worth considering. The Israeli point-forward may be one of the most versatile players available in the 2020 class.
Avdija is a savvy decision-maker that can contribute on both sides of the basketball. At Maccabi Tel Aviv. Avdija threaded the basketball all over the court with his flashy passing.
With Golden State’s championship core still in place, Avdija could be a glue piece off the bench that can thrive anywhere on the court.
Onyeka Okongwu – USC – Big – 19 – 6-foot-9
After an impressive freshman season at USC, Onyeka Okongwu has turned into one of the top rising prospects in the 2020 draft class. Okongwu averaged 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds in 28 games for the Trojans.
Okongwu is the definition of a lob threat on offense. There isn’t a pass the young Trojan can’t get to, but on the other side of the ball is where he’s special.
The freshman would give Golden State a refined rim protector that can also clog passing lanes like a veteran. Adding Okongwu next to Green would solidify the Golden State’s defensive frontcourt.
Isaac Okoro – Auburn – Wing – 19 – 6-foot-6
Isaac Okoro’s statistics may not wow at 12.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, but what he does off the box score has turned him into a lottery draft pick. Bruce Pearl’s freshman brings a sense of intensity to the court with a motor that doesn’t turn off.
Although Okoro is a very limited shooter, he’s the player you want with the ball in his hands at the end of the game. Okoro had a knack for theatrics for the Tigers. Against the Kentucky Wildcats, the freshman drilled a game-winning three. Once he gets downhill, Okoro can finish at the rim with power and bounce.
On defense, Okoro is a problem. The Auburn product projects to be a gritty defender at the next level. His blend of high-level basketball IQ, hands and strength makes him a tough matchup anywhere on defense.
In the future, Okoro could potentially mirror Andre Iguodala’s role for Kerr in Golden State.
LaMelo Ball – Illawarra Hawks – Guard – 18 – 6-foot-7
Since high school, LaMelo Ball has been in the basketball limelight. After playing in Australia for a season, Ball is ready to make his NBA debut.
The youngest Ball brother is a streaky shooter that can be the focal point of an NBA offense in a multitude of ways. Ball has shifty handles that can lead to dazzling passes.
Ball will be challenged on the defensive end in the NBA. However, his playmaking ability at 6-foot-7 makes him an exciting option off the bench early in his career.
Obi Toppin – Dayton – Forward – 22 – 6-foot-9
If the Warriors have eyes on returning to the NBA Finals as soon as next season, Dayton’s Obi Toppin is ready to help get them there. At 22. Toppin is ready-made to fill a role at the next level.
Toppin is a vicious dunker that will finish nearly everything at the rim. The Dayton Flyer’s 20 points on 63.3 % shooting from the field brought him the 2020 AP College Basketball Player of the Year award.
The Brooklyn native would be a high flying energizer off the bench with unmatched athleticism. However, there are still some question marks about Toppin’s long term defensive ability.
Surrounding Toppin with Thompson and Green could hide his defensive flaws while he runs the floor in Kerr’s fast-paced offense.
Anthony Edwards – Georgia – Wing -18 – 6-foot-5
From his thrilling Maui Invitational performance early in the college basketball season, Anthony Edwards has been a name most Warriors fans have become familiar with.
After scoring 19.1 points per game on 40.2 % from the field Georgia’s combo-guard has made his case to be the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Edwards can create his own shot in any situation, whether it’s driving to the basket or kicking out beyond the arc.
Either at the rim or off the dribble on a step back. Edwards is explosive with the ball in his hands. With Golden State’s backcourt already consisting of the Splash Brothers, Edwards would provide Kerr a weapon off the bench.
