After an extended wait, the 2020 NBA Draft is finally less than a month away. As draft night approaches, mock drafts continue to release predictions for the Golden State Warriors top pick.
In Jonathan Wasserman‘s latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, the Warriors landed big-man prospect James Wiseman with the No. 2 overall selection.
According to Wasserman, there is “more support” for the Memphis big man in Golden State’s front office over Georgia’s Anthony Edwards if the Warriors don’t move the No. 2 pick in the draft.
Via Bleacher Report:
Odds are, the Warriors stay put despite all the trade chatter, and we’re hearing there is more support for James Wiseman than Anthony Edwards in Golden State’s front office. Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin and Tyrese Haliburton figure to remain in play, but it’s presumed they’re more trade-down targets.
If Bob Myers and Steve Kerr do select Wiseman with the No. 2 pick, the 19-year-old could serve as a “rim runner and finisher” as he adjusts to the NBA level, per Wasserman.
Though Wiseman isn’t considered as NBA-ready as others, the game would come easier to him in Golden State, where he could play off the team’s shooters and passers and work exclusively as a rim-runner and finisher. He’d give a rotation fueled by skill a useful jolt of athleticism in the middle.
Vie Wasserman’s full mock draft on Bleacher Report here.
Although Wiseman’s only college basketball season was cut short, his stint at Memphis resulted in three double-double performances in three games. During his run with Penny Hardaway and the Tigers, the highly touted prospect averaged 19.7 points on 76.9% shooting from the field with 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest.
Prior to his time at Memphis, Wiseman earned bids to the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. The Nashville product was named Gatorade National Player of the Year and Tennessee Mr. Basketball.
In the Warriors Wire Big Board 1.0, Wiseman was the No. 4 ranked prospect in the top-30.
While Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green advance to the next stage of their careers, Wiseman’s presence underneath could give the Warriors the flexibility to reimagine their rotation inside out for the future.
With his 7-foot size paired with elite athleticism, the Warriors would add a new dynamic underneath upon Wiseman’s arrival.
While Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss have proven they can contribute to Golden State’s frontcourt, the Warriors haven’t had a center prospect of Wiseman’s caliber in the Kerr era.
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