The Warriors enter the offseason with plenty of questions.
Golden State’s attempt at a three-peat came up short when it fell to the Raptors in six games in the 2019 NBA Finals. Stars Kevin Durant (ruptured Achilles) and Klay Thompson (torn ACL) suffered serious injuries in the finals and both will be free agents this summer. Even if they do re-sign with the Warriors, they’ll be sidelined for much, if not all, of next season.
The Warriors’ bench also declined in 2018-19 and they’ll need to add multiple rotation pieces in the upcoming months. They’ll have their first chance to acquire one Thursday in the 2019 NBA Draft, where they hold the No. 28 selection.
Four options for the Warriors with the 2019 NBA Draft's No. 28 pick:
Cameron Johnson, forward, North Carolina
Johnson could be just what the Warriors need. He’s a knockdown shooter who will excel at the next level spotting up in the corners and getting open using off-ball cuts. He’s 23 and spent five years in college, so he may not have much room to develop. But, Johnson should be able to contribute beginning next season. The 6-8 wing is 20th on Sporting News’ latest Big Board, so the Warriors will have to hope he falls a bit on draft night.
Hear from @UNC_Basketball's, Cameron Johnson, after his draft workout 👇 pic.twitter.com/UkAahlQESs
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 6, 2019
Dylan Windler, forward, Belmont
Windler is another player with 3-and-D potential. He hit 40.6 percent of his shots from behind the arc during his collegiate career and is reliable on the other end of the floor. He’s projected as an early second round pick and should be available when the Warriors are on the clock. He’s a good option for them.
VIDEO: The Official @BelmontMBB Dylan Windler @Dylan_Windler23 Highlight #itsbruintime #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/RxxvUL6XQh
— Belmont Basketball (@BelmontMBB) June 13, 2019
Grant Williams, forward, Tennessee
Williams is an undersized forward who doesn’t have a consistent shot, which could hurt his stock in the current NBA. Yet, Williams is a proven scorer with the ability to play in the pick and roll and should develop into someone capable of guarding multiple positions, as well. He’d be a solid addition to Golden State’s bench next season.
#Tennessee F prospect + 2X #SEC POY Grant Williams brings a number of coveted attributes that suggest he will exceed his draft position, namely his competitiveness, smarts, physicality, productivity, youth + skill. He is a potential 2nd round steal >> https://t.co/okuKs3liLI pic.twitter.com/PS7e4HuM9y
— DraftExpressContent (@DXContent) June 13, 2019
Trade the pick for a veteran
The No. 28 pick might not have much value on the trade market, but Golden State should at least explore that option. Multiple other key role players besides the Warriors’ stars — including Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and DeMarcus Cousins —are set to be free agents. Dealing the selection may be the Warriors best way to acquire a veteran this offseason.