Tag: Anthony Edwards

Report: Warriors haven’t been able to set up meeting with Georgia’s Anthony Edwards yet

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors have yet to set up a meeting with top draft prospect Anthony Edwards.

Draft season is officially underway for the Golden State Warriors. With the Warriors being one of the eight teams left out of the league’s 22-team return plan, Golden State can begin to map out the 2020 NBA draft.

As the draft process is picking up steam, the Warriors are doing their homework on the 2020 prospect pool. With Golden State in-line for a top-five pick, the Warriors have already met with prospects on Zoom, including top-prospects LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman.

However, the Warriors have yet to meet with Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

Via The Athletic:

They’ve met with several prospects on Zoom in the last couple months, including James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball in recent weeks, I’m told. They haven’t been able to set up a meeting with Anthony Edwards yet. But the expectation is that they will be allowed in-person meetings with top prospects and possible workouts at some point later in the summer.

After averaging 19.1 points on 40.2% shooting from the field with 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his first season in Athens, the SEC Freshman of the Year has been a popular name at the start of mock drafts.

His electric down-hill athletic ability matched with his raw playmaking potential, Edwards should be in the conversation whenever the Warriors are on the clock.

Although the Warriors haven’t had the chance to meet with Edwards, it’s still early in the draft process. While other teams are busy rounding out the season in Orlando, Golden State will have plenty of time to prepare for October’s draft.

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DraftExpress: No consensus top prospect for 2020 NBA Draft

Despite recent reports, there reportedly still is no consensus top prospect between LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman.

The lack of a consensus top prospect atop the 2020 NBA Draft is unlike anything seen in recent draft classes. While some drafts have had questions about which player should be taken No. 1, rarely has there been as much uncertainty and so many questions among the top prospects like there is this season with LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards.

While some reports have indicated Wiseman may be separating himself from the pack, ESPN’s DraftExpress noted that there is still no unanimous top prospect.

“There remains no consensus top prospect in this draft, and the No. 1 pick will come down to how the lottery shakes out, with team needs coming into play more than usual at the top.”

Depending on who is asked for which team and in what position, different answers will be given as to what player is the atop draft boards. Ask scouts and they may say Ball. Ask a scout and they may say Ball. Survey front office executives and they may say Wiseman. Ask a different set of executives and they’ll say Ball.

As Mike Schmitz noted for DraftExpress, there will never be a consensus but instead a fit-based big board for each team. As the Warriors have made clear, Ball likely won’t be atop their draft board while the Pistons and Knicks could feel differently.

The pre-draft process, no matter how abbreviated it may be, will offer some clarity but it appears there likely will never be a consensus top prospect in this year’s draft.

Warriors likely taking Anthony Edwards if they land first pick

Sources have indicated to The Chronicle that, if the Warriors land the No. 1 pick and decide not to trade down, they’ll likely take Georgia’s Anthony Edwards. If Golden State lands anywhere between No. 2 and No. 5, it’ll strongly consider Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton, Auburn’s Isaac Okoro and Israel’s Deni Avdija, among others.

Report: Cleveland Cavaliers would take LaMelo Ball with No. 1 pick

The Cleveland Cavaliers not only would consider drafting LaMelo Ball despite having Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, they reportedly have Ball atop their draft board.

The New York Knicks have consistently made their interest in LaMelo Ball well-known in recent weeks. On top of having the team having a Ball as the top point guard on their big board, they’ve already held discussions about trading up for him if they don’t move up in the draft lottery as well.

But the Knicks aren’t the only team that has been heavily linked to Ball recently. The Cavaliers reportedly scouted Ball extensively during his time in the National Basketball League (NBL). During a radio interview with 92.3 The Fan, Cleveland Plain Dealer writer Chris Fedor noted that the team won’t rule out drafting Ball despite having selected guards in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland in recent years.

Fedor, though, would go on in the interview and add more fuel to the fire by stating that, if the Cavaliers landed the No. 1 overall pick and were to make the decision today, Ball would likely be their selection.

“I think if they have the first overall pick, this is just me trying to read between the lines based on everything that I’ve heard, I think they would take LaMelo Ball because I think that they feel he’s the best player in the draft.”

The Cavaliers would find themselves in an interesting position should they land the top pick. Given their current roster makeup, each of the top three prospects that have separated themselves at the top of the 2020 NBA Draft – James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards and Ball – would clash in some way with players already on the roster.

In the frontcourt, the Cavaliers are already restoring two traditional big men in Andre Drummond and Tristan Thompson and the possibility remains that one of them could return next season, blocking Wiseman in the process. In the backcourt, the team already has the likes of Sexton, Garland and Kevin Porter, Jr., all three young players drafted within the last three years, blocking both Edwards and Ball.

In essence, it would likely force the Cavaliers into taking the best player available regardless of their normal strategy. Even if that isn’t their strategy, though, Ball has enough flexibility offensively to play either guard position that he could play with either young guard on the roster.

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2020 NBA Draft: Front office exec says he’d take LaMelo Ball first overall

The 2020 NBA Draft is shaping up for a wide open race for the top pick and one NBA general manager gave his reason for selecting LaMelo Ball first overall.

Stadium’s Jeff Goodman recently polled 35 NBA executives on which player they would take with the top pick of the 2020 NBA Draft leading to some interesting results. While the majority of those polled selected James Wiseman as the prospect they would take with the top overall, both Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball received votes as well.

Ten executives chose Edwards while four chose Ball with the lone remaining executive selecting Dayton’s Obi Toppin. With regards to Ball, one of the general managers polled explained his reasoning for why he would pick Ball first.

“He’s versatile, has size for his position, and can handle and pass it. I’d go with LaMelo, especially with perimeter guys — and guys who can make plays — so valuable in today’s NBA.”

There are still obvious questions surrounding Ball, though. One scout polled laid out what those were and, surprisingly, those didn’t include her father.

“I love his playmaking, but he has questions with his commitment on defense. I’m not worried about his dad at all. I’m worried about his maturity.”

The questions on his defense are legitimate. Ball’s focus on that end of that court can waver and he’s a boom or bust type of player in terms of gambling for steals and jumping passing lanes. The questions on his maturity, though, are much more cliche and is a sentiment that could be applied to any number of recruits each year in the draft.

Nonetheless, the results of the poll paint the picture for how open the race for the top pick will be this year. Unlike last season where Zion Williamson was the consensus top pick and even treated as such during the draft lottery, this season could see any number of players go first overall.

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Report: Warriors’ Zoom interviews have largely been non-lottery picks

The Golden State Warriors have begun to interview draft prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft, but they have not focused on the top picks yet.

With the pandemic still keeping virtually all sports sidelined, the NBA has allowed provisions for teams to move forward in regards to the draft. The league’s pandemic rules have allowed for teams to begin interviewing prospects.

The Golden State Warriors have reportedly taken advantage of that time, though not yet by interviewing the top draft prospects in the draft. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater revealed who the Warriors have spoken with so far in interviews.

“As per the new pandemic rules, the Warriors have been allowed four hours per prospect for Zoom calls, but most of those, sources say, have been with non-lottery, non-first round prospects, allowing them to gain a wide view of the draft landscape and sharpen up their virtual process before the lottery happens, their exact position is known and the real pre-draft fun begins.”

On top of simply doing due diligence in interviewing any prospect possible, the Warriors are also likely waiting on the possibility of in-person interviews for the top prospects. With the draft delayed indefinitely, it’s unclear what restrictions the league will have closer to the draft itself, meaning the team could potentially still bring in prospects for workouts and interviews.

The interviewing process is also an extensive one and this is likely just the beginning. The likes of James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball could all have interviews scheduled in the coming days and weeks even still.

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Report: James Wiseman emerging as frontrunner in 2020 NBA Draft

With much still up in the air in regards to the NBA Draft, a recent poll of NBA executives suggests James Wiseman may be separating himself.

While no prospect has separated themselves on the surface in the 2020 NBA Draft, some NBA front office personnel don’t share the same sentiment. In a poll of 35 NBA executives conducted by Stadium’s Jeff Goodman, 20 said James Wiseman would be their choice for the top pick of the draft.

Despite the majority voting for Wiseman, the decision still isn’t one that many consider an easy one.

“I wouldn’t even want the No. 1 pick,” one NBA general manager told me. “If I have it, I’m trying like hell to trade it.”

Wiseman, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball figure to be the three names in contention for the top pick whenever the draft is held. And given that the Warriors appear to be the odds-on favorites to land the top spot, it makes sense that Wiseman would be the preferred pick as he fits in with the current Warriors core more effortlessly than Ball or Edwards would.

But just as easily, a poll of 35 other NBA executives could produce a completely different result. The sample size is relatively small and the answers will vary wildly.

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If Warriors don’t want to draft a center, which prospects make sense?

The Warriors reportedly do not want Onyeka Okongwu or James Wiseman with a top-five pick. Which player of a different position might they be interested in?

The San Francisco Chronicle reported the Warriors are “unlikely” to draft USC center Onyeka Okongwu with a top-five pick, and that Golden State likes Okongwu more than fellow center James Wiseman.

Since acquiring Andrew Wiggins, a starting center has appeared to be the Warriors’ biggest position of need. But if they do believe in Marquese Chriss as the center of the future, as the Chronicle reported, that incentives management to broaden the prospect pool and look for best player over positional need.

Let’s take a brief look at those other players the Warriors would have interest in with a top-five pick, something they would be assured of if the draft lottery proceeds with the current standings.

Players are broken up into guard and forward positions and listed in alphabetical order.

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Guards

LaMelo Ball

Listed at 6-foot-7, Ball is an offensive wizard with his passing abilities and flair. His upside, after averaging 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists in a pro league while his counterparts were against college students, is enormous.

Ball as a lead ball-handler off the bench would allow the Warriors to continue playing up-tempo even with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson off the floor. The three of them on the court together would result in gobs of points. But it would be difficult to hide both Ball and Curry on defense — Ball has good instincts in passing lanes, but isn’t a disruptive on-ball defender. With a 6-foot-10 wingspan, though, he has the size that would allow him to develop into a good one.

With that said, his low shooting percentages are worrisome: He shot 37.5% from the field and 25% from 3 while shooting 72.3% from the free-throw line last season.

Yet his potential makes him a candidate for the No. 1 pick. If he blossoms in Golden State, the Warriors do too.

Anthony Edwards

Often slotted in the No. 1 spot by analysts, Edwards offers scoring that would ideally allow starting Warriors guards to take the bench without a drop-off in production against another team’s second unit.

Edwards is athletic. He can create his own shot. He was inefficient last season, but that may be a symptom of poor shooting and spacing around him at Georgia — only two players shot above 33% from 3, and one of those players attempted only 18 shots from beyond the arc.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Edwards averaged about 19 points, five rebounds and three assists per game at Georgia. He shot 40.2% from the field, 29.4% from 3 and 77.2% from the free throw line. With his size, he also shows promise on the defensive end of the ball.

If Edwards is the player optimists believe and he’s available for the Warriors’ pick, they would luck into a future All-Star to join the talented core.

Tyrese Haliburton

Haliburton shot above 50% from the field and 40% from deep while dishing 6.5 assists per game this past season for Iowa State. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote he’d be best in a secondary playmaker role next to a lead guard and getting backup point guard minutes.

That’s no problem for the Warriors, who happen to have an MVP point guard but could use another creator. Similar to how Ball offers intrigue on the court with Curry and Thompson, Haliburton could be a less ball-dominant option to run around the backcourt.

Haliburton would be a stretch with one of the top couple picks, as he lacks the upside and athleticism of some of these other players, but he has shown he’s a good playmaker and shooter, one who averaged 2.5 steals per game with his 7-foot wingspan. If he can be a strong two-way player from day one, it will be worth it for the Warriors.

Killian Hayes

Rising up big boards more recently than others on this list, most notably being Kevin O’Connor’s top prospect at The Ringer, Hayes is another player who impressed playing internationally.

The most glaring concern about his fit on the team might be one that is actually a compliment. Hayes, with his lefty flair, receives comparisons to D’Angelo Russell. That didn’t work out in Golden State. But maybe this less-expensive player who wouldn’t be a starter could work better?

A strong playmaker with an arsenal that includes a good off-the-dribble shooting and step-backs, Hayes would be a better backup point guard than most for the 2020-21 Warriors team.

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Report: Bob Myers will consider trading first round NBA draft pick

The Warriors will have a plethora of options with their high pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

The Golden State Warriors are in an unusual position, considering the immense success they’ve had over the past five years.

Though the Warriors won titles in 2015, 2017 and 2018, they currently have the worst record in the NBA at 15-50.

Warriors president of basketball operations Bob Myers spoke with Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area about the team’s 2020 NBA draft plans, and a plethora of options are available —  including potentially trading the high pick the Warriors are set to earn. As of now, the Warriors can pick no lower than fifth overall, per Tankathon. 

The NBA draft is still officially set for June 25, but it is likely to be moved to August or September, per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor. 

“Yeah, we’re going to consider all that,” Myers said, per Poole. “Now, I don’t know if the headline is going to be that we’re trading our pick. So, be clear that I said ‘consider.’”

The Warriors have a reliable, veteran core in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Along with those three, players like Andrew Wiggins and Marquese Chriss are poised to make an impact in the Warriors’ high-octane offense.

If the Warriors have the No. 1 pick, trading down might make sense. Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball are seen as the top prospects, but the Warriors don’t need any more guards. They also don’t need another athletic big like Wiseman.

Drafting someone lower might be more beneficial because the fit could be better for both the Warriors and the player.

Vanderbilt forward Aaron Nesmith would fit well with Golden State. He isn’t projected to go in the top five, but he is a lottery-level talent. He was mocked to the New Orleans Pelicans at 13th overall in The Ringer’s latest mock draft. 

Nesmith proved to be one of the best shooters in college hoops last season, as he scored 23.0 points per game and shot 52.2% from the 3-point line on 8.2 attempts a game.

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