If Stephen Curry really meant what he said on Aug. 20 about the Warriors not returning to the NBA Draft Lottery again, the six-time NBA champions need to keep their No. 2 pick.
After posting the league’s worst record (15-50) last season, the Warriors have the opportunity to look to the future by complementing their core group of players with a young prospect.
While some speculate that the 2020 NBA Draft isn’t fruitful and the Warriors should trade their pick, James Wiseman from the University of Memphis would be an ideal fit for a team looking to return to championship form.
With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green returning next season, the Warriors will need an athletic big to truly compete.
Teams in the Western Conference like the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers will give the Warriors trouble with their length. If the Warriors trade their pick, they will be bullied by bigger teams especially if they lean on 6-foot-9 forward Marquese Chriss as their go-to big man.
Wiseman is a mobile big man that can keep pace with the style of play the Warriors bring to the table. At 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he runs the floor well for someone his size.
On defense, Wiseman not only provides a big body that occupies the lane, he is also a legitimate shot blocker. His athleticism also gives him the ability to guard multiple positions. With how well Wiseman moves, it would not be unrealistic for him to switch onto the perimeter and guard multiple positions.
However, offense is not his strongest asset. His jump shot is not up to par for the modern NBA as he plays older-style basketball by getting most of his points around the rim.
But what better place to learn more offense than on a team that ranked No. 1 in offensive efficiency in the 2018-19 season and has arguably two of the greatest shooters in NBA history?
Also, scoring isn’t the only means of offensive contribution. Wiseman is a strong rebounder, and more offensive rebounds means more shot opportunities for the Splash Brothers, Curry and Thompson.
Offensive skill and defensive technique can be developed, but Wiseman’s athleticism and size cannot.
While “win now” is a valid mentality, the Warriors need to plan for the future. Curry, Thompson and Green are all fresh out of their 20s. The Warriors need to put themselves in a position where they can pass the torch once their core three near the end of their careers.
“That’s the perfect fit for him, because then he can focus on rim running, shot-blocking, finishing,” ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz said. “Be elite in those areas first, and play-off a guy like Klay Thompson, off of Stephen Curry, that’s going to allow him to get better as a passer, and then down the line . . . that’s when your skill really starts to come out.”
Trading their high draft pick will present setbacks down the road.
Warriors can’t afford to sign a major name at the moment anyway as, at the beginning of next season, they’ll owe $441 million to just four players.
This means if they want to bring in an established player, that player needs to be cheap and if they want a mid-level player, they’ll get mid-level results.
The future for the Warriors will be in good hands if they keep their pick and choose Wiseman. Otherwise, the Warriors will be attending the draft lottery within a couple of years.
