The NBA Draft is finally upon us and the Golden State Warriors own the 30th pick in the first round. If recent history is any indication, owner Joe Lacob and GM Bob Myers will be able to find some real value, despite selecting late in the first round.
The Warriors have been one of the better drafting franchises over the past seven years and they’ll hope to continue that trend this offseason. Since 2009, the Warriors have drafted Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli.
Obviously we know the superstars that Curry and Thompson have turned into, but they struck gold when they were able to pick up Green in the 2nd round with the 35th pick. In the 2015 draft, in the same 30th spot, the Dubs picked Kevon Looney. Looney battled injuries throughout his rookie season, but has the potential to be a key member of the rotation for years to come.
The Warriors getting elite talent through the draft is nothing new. The team took to social media on Thursday to showcase some of the best players that heard their names called by the Dubs.
Five years ago today. #NBADraft #TBT #GSWHistory pic.twitter.com/Jcrue63QrS
— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) June 23, 2016
Hall of Famers & Legends. #NBADraft #TBT #GSWHistory pic.twitter.com/T4lUGa1aYg
— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) June 23, 2016
The high-scoring trio of Run TMC. #NBADraft #TBT #GSWHistory pic.twitter.com/URfDP6gvXv
— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) June 23, 2016
If you look at any number of the mock drafts out there, you’ll find many differing opinions of who the Dubs will be able to grab with the 30th pick.
Heres a small sample of mocks from some national outlets:
Sports Illustrated: Caris Levert, Guard, Michigan
Bleacher Report: Damian Jones, Center, Vanderbilt
HoopsHype: Taurean Prince, Forward, Baylor
There are many different directions that the Warriors could go in, as the team could use a little help at every position. Do they try and bolster the front-court with Andrew Bogut’s injury and the possible departure of Festus Ezeli? After two straight runs to the finals will they look for a guard to ease the load of Curry and Thompson? How will they look for cover in case Harrison Barnes bolts?
No one knows, and thats what makes the draft one of the most exciting parts of the offseason. If recent history is indication though, five years down the line, the rest of the league very well may be saying
“How in the world did we let ____ fall to the Warriors at 30??”
The NBA Draft will be broadcast live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn at 4 PM PST.