While 22 teams prepare for the restart of the NBA season, the Golden State Warriors are one of eight teams on the outside of the Orlando Bubble. With the Warriors season officially over, it’s time to turn the page to draft season in Golden State. Their league-worst 15-50 record has locked the Warriors into a top-five selection in the 2020 Draft.
With months on the calendar until October’s draft day, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s draft history to highlight some of the most memorable selections — trades, surprises, busts, sleepers and everything in between.
In a storied class that has grown into draft day lore, the Golden State Warriors were owners of the No. 11 overall pick.
June 26, 2003
The Cleveland Cavaliers opened the 2003 edition of the NBA Draft, selecting LeBron James out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Future NBA All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all went off the board in the top five selections.
The Warriors were on the clock outside of the top 10 picks. With the No. 11 overall selection, Golden State general manager Garry St. Jean selected French prospect Mickaël Piétrus.
Before coming to the NBA, Piétrus spent 1999-2003 playing for Élan Béarnais in France’s Pro A league.
In his first season with the Warriors, Piétrus played 53 games, starting in 22 contests. As a rookie, Piétrus averaged 5.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.5 assists per game. Before joining the Orlando Magic in 2009, Piétrus played five seasons in the Bay Area.
Piétrus served a role in Golden State’s prized “We Believe” season in 2006-07. The French forward started in 38 games, averaging 11.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Piétrus played in all 11 games of Golden State’s playoff run, averaging 19 minutes per contest.
Pietrus capped off his 10-year NBA career in 2013 with the Toronto Raptors.
Outside of James, Bosh and Wade, other notable players from the 2003 draft include Central Michigan’s Chris Kaman, Xavier’s David West, Georgia’s Zaza Pachulia and Creighton’s Kyle Korver.
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