As 22 teams prepare to restart the season in Orlando, the Golden State Warriors will get an early jump on the offseason. While the Warriors 2019-20 campaign is closing, a different season is just beginning.
With their regular season over, it’s time for the Warriors to engage in draft season. As buzz continues to ramp up leading to October’s draft day, predictions are starting to roll in for Golden State’s pick. Early in the process, LaMelo Ball, Obi Toppin and James Wiseman have been trendy names for the Warriors in mock drafts.
In Kyle Boone’s mock draft 2.0 for CBS Sports, Golden State lands Georgia’s Anthony Edwards with the first overall pick.
Via CBS Sports:
Edwards is an explosive athlete with a big frame and brimming with defensive potential who could give Golden State a boost of depth and shot-making on the wing.
On his way to winning the SEC Freshman of the Year nod, Edwards averaged 19.1 points on 40.2% shooting from the field with 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Connor Letourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle previously reported the Warriors would “likely” take Edwards with the top overall selection in the draft.
Although there’s a bevy of smokescreens around what the Warriors could do in the top-five picks, Edwards has proven he’s worthy of an early selection. The former McDonald’s All-American is an electric playmaker that could fill a needed role behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the backcourt. Edwards’ ability to play downhill in isolation could energize Steve Kerr’s second unit.
At only 18-years-old, the Warriors could continue to develop Edwards over time while he helps extend their chances of vying for the playoffs on day one.
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