With a pair of first-round picks in the lottery, the Golden State Warriors have been at the center of the buzz around the 2021 NBA draft. With trade chatter swirling and different top prospects likely available when they’re on the clock, the Warriors will have a flurry of options with the No. 7 and No. 14 picks on Thursday night.
With draft night inching closer, Golden State could start tightening their big board. According to Connor Letourneau of The San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors are “leaning toward” taking G League Ignite forward Jonathan Kuminga if he’s still available with the No. 7 selection.
Via The San Francisco Chronicle:
A league source told The Chronicle on Wednesday afternoon that the Warriors are “leaning toward” taking Kuminga if he’s available at No. 7.
Read Letourneau’s full piece with the San Francisco Chronicle here.
Out of high school, Kuminga was a five-star recruit with offers from top schools like Texas Tech, Kentucky, Auburn and Duke. Instead, Kuminga opted to play on the G League Ignite team with fellow top prospect Jalen Green.
During 13 games in the G League bubble in Orlando, the 18-year-old averaged 15.8 points on 38.7% shooting from the floor with 7.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 32.8 minutes per contest.
Over the pre-draft process, the Warriors traveled to Miami to watch Kuminga in person.
In the latest mock draft from Cody Taylor of USA TODAY’s Rookie Wire, Kuminga comes off the board before the Warriors are on the clock at No. 5 to the Orlando Magic.
Via Rookie Wire:
While Kuminga appears to be dropping down in some mock drafts, the Magic still look to be strong contenders to take him. He worked out with the Magic last week in Orlando and projects to be a good fit. He possesses the physical tools that would make for a smooth transition to the next level and his 7-foot wingspan certainly offers some intrigue. Given his overall ability, Kuminga believes he is a top-five pick and fully expects to be taken early on Thursday night.
The 2021 edition of the draft is slated to open with the Detroit Pistons on the clock starting at 5 p.m. PT.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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