While most of the attention will focus on the Golden State Warriors’ decision when the team is on the clock at No. 7 overall, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will have the opportunity to land another top prospect in the first round. Following the lottery, the Warriors landed the No. 14 overall pick in addition to the No. 7 selection.
In the latest mock draft from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Warriors landed international prospect Usman Garuba at No. 14 after selecting Baylor’s Davion Mitchell at No. 7. According to O’Connor, Garuba could serve as a “protégé” for Draymond Green.
Via The Ringer:
Draymond Green took James Wiseman under his wing last season, a positive showing of leadership for the franchise. But Garuba might be a better protégé for Green because he’s also a small-ball center with a relentless attitude. Though playing them together wouldn’t be feasible for the Warriors due to their lack of shooting ability, he’d be the perfect backup and, someday, a potential replacement.
During 36 games with Real Madrid in the Liga ACB, the 19-year-old averaged 5.6 points on 46.1% shooting from the field with 5.3 boards and 1.1 assists per contest. Against Valencia, the 6-foot-8 forward notched a season-high double-double with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field with 14 boards.
Adding Garuba to Golden State’s young core next to James Wiseman and Eric Paschall would give Golden State a trio of developmental prospects to mold behind Draymond Green and Kevon Looney.
View the rest of O’Connor’s mock with The Ringer, including Golden State’s pick at No. 7 here.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
