With the Golden State Warriors season officially over, it’s time to flip the page to draft season. For the first time since 2002, the Golden State Warriors will have the opportunity to make a selection in the top-five picks.
While October’s draft is still months away, mock predictions are beginning to pour in for Golden State’s top selection. Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, Memphis big man James Wiseman, Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton and Florida State’s Devin Vassell have all had their names listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.
In Fox Sports’ latest mock draft, Jason McIntyre had Golden State landing USC’s Onyeka Okongwu with the first overall selection. According to McIntyre, adding the USC big man would bulk up Golden State’s defensive front.
Via Fox Sports:
The Warriors have the potential to be the third-best team in the West next season, and they will need perimeter defenders. Draymond Green and Okongwu would be a ferocious defensive tandem inside.
View McIntyre’s full mock draft via Fox Sports here.
In his freshman season in Southern California, the 19-year-old averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks per contest. After an impressive debut season, the young Trojan earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors.
In the latest Warriors Wire big board, Okongwu ranked No. 3 overall behind only Edwards and LaMelo Ball.
Okongwu has the refined defensive approach to immediately provide Golden State a fierce presence in the frontcourt. Adding the 6-foot-9 rookie next to Draymond Green gives Steve Kerr the opportunity for a bevy of versatile defensive looks. On the offensive side of the floor, Okongwu’s 7-foot-1 wingspan matched with his springy athletic ability equips the Warriors with a dangerous lob threat roaming the center of the court.
After going through a band of veteran frontcourt pieces, Okongwu, alongside Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss, gives Golden State a new dynamic with three young, explosive options inside.
