Tag: Deni Advija

NBA Draft: Kentucky’s Tyrese Maxey is a name to watch for the Golden State Warriors

If the Warriors decide to trade back in the draft, Kentucky’s Tyrese Maxey is an intriguing prospect to watch.

With the college basketball season over, and no-live NBA action until further notice, eyes have shifted to the draft ahead of schedule. Their league-worst record has set the Golden State Warriors for a chance to land a top-caliber prospect for the first time in years.

Names like Anthony Edwards, Obi Toppin and Onyeka Okongwu have become popular at the start of mock projections for the Warriors, but what if the team decides to move back in June’s draft? In an interview with Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, owner Joe Lacob mentioned the Warriors are looking into “all scenarios” for their selection — including the possibility of a trade down.

Depending on where Golden State lands in the draft order, Kentucky’s Tyrese Maxey is an intriguing prospect that could be available beyond the top five picks.

The SEC All-Freshman Team selection averaged 14 points on 42.7% shooting with 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in his first season in Lexington. Maxey burst onto the scene quickly, dropping 26 points against the top-ranked Michigan State Spartans in the opening contest of the season. The Texas product continued his success against top-rated teams, scoring his season-best 27 points against the third-ranked rival Louisville Cardinals.

At 6-foot-2, Maxey can navigate through defenses to get to the cup. The 19-year-old isn’t afraid to throw his body around in the lane to finish off an acrobatic layup around bigger defenders. One of Maxey’s favorite weapon’s in his toolbox is his silky floater — reminiscent of a guard from Golden State.

The former McDonald’s All-American is a creative scorer that isn’t afraid to let it fly from beyond the arc. Although he only shot 29.2% from 3-point range, Maxey has a quick release that can heat up. The Kentucky freshman nailed multiple long-range jumpers in nine games for John Calipari, but he did go without a 3-pointer in 13 games.

Maxey is a willing defender that understands spacing on the floor. The stout guard relies on his strength to help with physical attackers on offense — something that will help at the next level on defense.

The young Wildcat will have to tighten his shot selection and consistency when he gets to the NBA. However, Maxey could be the next player to come from Calipari’s program to excel at the professional level, like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Bam Adebayo and PJ Washington.

Maxey could immediately fit in Steve Kerr’s rotation behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The Kentucky guard would give Golden State’s a formidable young trio off the bench with Eric Paschall and Jordan Poole. If the trade down rumors heat up as the clock ticks down during draft season, Maxey is a name to keep an eye on for the Golden State Warriors.

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NBA Draft: Auburn’s Isaac Okoro is a name to watch for the Golden State Warriors

Could Auburn’s Isaac Okoro be a trade down target for the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA draft?

For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors are expected to hold a high lottery pick in the 2020 NBA draft. With mock draft season heating up, the Warriors have been connected to several noteworthy prospects. Obi Toppin and Anthony Edwards have been popular names at the top of projections to the Warriors, but what if the team decides to trade back?

Golden State owner Joe Lacob recently mentioned the Warriors are “looking at all scenarios” – including the possibility of trading back. If the Warriors decided to use their top selection as an asset, there’s a group of intriguing prospects that could fit Golden State outside of the top three.

After an impressive season in eastern Alabama, Auburn’s Issac Okoro has quickly been trending up draft boards. The 19-year-old wing averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists during his freshman season. Yet, it’s what he does off the stat sheet that makes him a name to watch for the Golden State Warriors.

Okoro is labeled as one of the best defenders in the prospect class. With the right blend of strength and athleticism, Okoro proved he can guard nearly every position on the floor at 6-foot-6. The freshman’s best tool in his defensive arsenal is his basketball IQ. The wing prospect consistently showed off an understanding of spacing, passing lanes and defensive angles. Okoro earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team.

Okoro only recorded more than 20 points once in 28 games during his freshman season, but he does possess positive potential traits on offense. While he’s not much of a shooter — 29% from beyond the arc, Okoro is explosive at the rim. Although he’s not a threat from long distance, Okoro is active without the ball in his hands to get open. The Auburn product’s basketball IQ translates to the offensive side of the floor with his cutting ability. When Okoro starts to attack with the basketball, he’s a missile when it comes to getting to the hoop.

Okoro would provide a defensive chess piece off the bench for Steve Kerr in Golden State. On the offensive side of the ball, Okoro wouldn’t have to worry about shooting playing with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

If the Warriors move from the top of the draft, Auburn’s freshman Tiger needs to be a name to consider outside the top-three. However, with Okoro’s upside, he won’t be available for long once the clock starts in June’s draft.

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Joe Lacob: Warriors looking at all scenarios in NBA draft, including a trade down

Could the Warriors be eyeing a trade down scenario in the 2020 draft?

While the NBA season is on hold, the Golden State Warriors have turned their attention to the draft. With a bottom record in the standings, the Warriors are expected to own a top selection for the first time in years.

Most teams with high picks in the draft are typically going through a rebuild, forcing them to use their top pick on a prospect to jumpstart their franchise for the future. Yet, the Warriors are in a different situation.

Although injuries derailed Golden State’s chances at returning to the NBA Finals for the sixth straight season, the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are still on the roster for 2020-21. The Warriors could explore a bevy of directions with their pick to maximize their championship core’s run.

Golden State owner Joe Lacob joined Tim Kawakami of The Athletic on “The TK Show” to discuss the Warriors plans for the draft. Lacob mentioned trading down in the draft could be a possibility.

Via The TK Show Podcast:

We’re going to look at all scenarios. Honestly, it’s been, look — I’m not going to hide this — we’re going to look at drafting someone at our position, we’re going to look at, maybe we trade down, I mean that’s a possibility. I’m not saying it’s even preferred or not preferred. I’m just saying it’s something we’re going to have to look at. We’re going to look at all options, and we’re going to figure out a way to have our team be the best possible team that it could be for this year, but still with an eye towards building for the future.

With no basketball on the calendar until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lacob and the Warriors’ front office will have plenty of time to prepare how they’ll navigate through June’s draft.

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Warriors select Georgia’s Anthony Edwards at the top of ESPN’s latest mock draft

Another 2020 NBA mock draft has the Golden State Warriors selecting Georgia’s Anthony Edwards with the first pick.

With the worst record in the league with 17 games remaining on the calendar, the Golden State Warriors are expected to own an early selection in the 2020 NBA draft for the first time in years. Although there isn’t a top overall prospect, Golden State will have the chance to grab a highly touted player in June’s draft.

While the NBA slate is on hold until further notice, mock draft season has taken off ahead of schedule. With new waves of simulations pouring in, one member of the 2020 draft class is becoming a popular choice for the Golden State Warriors.

Another projection has Georgia’s Anthony Edwards penciled in with the Golden State Warriors with the first pick in 2020. In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz tap the Georgia freshman to bring “instant offense” to Golden State at the top of the draft.

Via ESPN:

Edwards would add instant offense to an already high-powered nucleus with his ability to get downhill and rise up from anywhere on the floor. Small-ball lineups featuring Stephen Curry, Edwards, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green would offer an intriguing blend of skill and bounce, while Edwards also has the long-term upside to grow into the face of the franchise down the line.

During his only season in Athens, Edwards exploded onto the Southeastern Conference scene with 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest. The freshman shot 40.1% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc while recording seven games with 25 points or more for the Bulldogs.

Although it’s still early in the draft process, Edwards is becoming a favorite to hear his name called first in June’s draft.

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Warriors select Anthony Edwards with first pick in Rookie Wire NBA mock draft

Another mock draft has the Golden State Warriors selecting Anthony Edwards at the top of the 2020 NBA draft.

With mock draft season underway, a mix of James Wiseman, LaMelo Ball and Obi Toppin have loomed near the top of all projections. However, one name is becoming a popular pick for the Golden State Warriors.

After tallying 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest during his freshman season in Athens, Anthony Edwards is looking like an early lottery lock in June’s draft.

In Bryan Kalbrosky’s latest mock draft for USA Today’s Rookie Wire, the Warriors call on Georgia’s fierce combo guard with the first overall pick. According to Kalbrosky, the Warriors land a prospect packed with potential star power.

Via Rookie Wire:

The Warriors, obviously, have little need for a player who needs the ball in his hands as often as Anthony Edwards does. But the SEC Freshman of the Year arguably has the most star power of anyone in this draft class. Edwards averaged a strong 21.8 points per game in February and is a highlight-reel in transition. Edwards could conceivably be traded, which would allow Golden State to collect another asset while also selecting a player (perhaps either Obi Toppin or Deni Avdija) who fits better with the Warriors’ core.

With a pair of picks in the second round, Kalbrosky projects the Warriors to grab Michigan State point guard Cassius Winston and Syracuse wing Elijah Hughes.

If Edwards does stick with the Warriors, the explosive 6-foot-5 18-year-old would immediately provide a boost to Steve Kerr’s offense. The Atlanta native can create with the basketball in his hands while being a threat to let it fly from beyond the arc.

With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the perimeter, Edwards will have the opportunity to attack the basket downhill early and often in his career. When the Splash Brothers are off the floor, the Bulldog product would get the chance to play a key figure in the Warriors’ young offense alongside Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss.

Although it’s still early in the pre-draft process, Edwards is becoming the drafts leading candidate to help Golden State’s climb back into the playoffs in the 2020-21 season.

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Warriors land Georgia’s Anthony Edwards in Sports Illustrated NBA mock draft

With no games on the NBA calendar, it’s officially mock draft season.

In 2020, mock drafts will start to peak the interest of Golden State Warriors’ fans everywhere. For the first time in years, instead of seeing the Warriors listed in the back end of the draft order, Golden State is slated to make a selection at the top of the lottery.

With no basketball on the NBA calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s officially mock draft season.

In Sports Illustrated’s latest mock draft, Jeremy Woo projects the Warriors to select Georgia’s Anthony Edwards with the first overall pick. In his freshman season in Athens, the young combo guard averaged 19.1 points on 40.2% shooting from the field, while adding 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

The SEC Freshman of the Year can create with the ball in his hands and isn’t afraid to let it fly from 3-point range. When Edwards begins to attack downhill, he’s as explosive as it gets off the bounce. The Atlanta native would provide a dangerous threat off the bench for Golden State behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

With a pair of second-round picks, Woo selected DePaul’s Paul Reed and Italian guard Paul Eboua to finish off the 2020 draft for the Warriors.

Reed is a 6-foot-9 center that averaged a double-double with 15.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in his junior season for the Blue Demons. In LBA Serie A in Italy, the 20-year old Eboua tallied 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Victoria Libertas Pesaro.

With the NBA draft starting to creep up, expect the mock drafts to keep flowing.

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Report: Warriors ‘would likely take’ Anthony Edwards with top pick in NBA Draft

According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Warriors are eyeing Anthony Edwards with the top pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors will be drafting near the top of the NBA draft. While the lottery doesn’t take place till May 19, the Warriors 15-50 record gives them a chance to land the first overall pick in the draft.

Although the draft is still ways away, names are already starting to circulate as options for when Golden State hits the clock. There isn’t a clear consensus top prospect in the 2020 class, but certain names are starting to look like favorable options to jump off the board first.

According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, Georgia’s Anthony Edwards is turning into a likely option if the Warriors land the first pick in June’s draft.

Via the San Francisco Chronicle:

If the Warriors land the No. 1 pick in the draft, they’ll be open to trading it. But if Golden State doesn’t receive a worthy offer, it would likely take Edwards with the top selection, according to a league source.

During his only season in Athens, Edwards averaged 19.1 points on 40.2% shooting from the field, with 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The young Bulldog is an explosive combo guard that can create his own shot like a seasoned veteran. Edwards has a quick trigger from beyond the arc that would fit right in with Steve Kerr’s offense.

If Edwards ends up being the pick, Golden State’s bench would immediately get an upgrade with a downhill weapon behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

With the NBA season on hold due to the coronavirus, the draft buzz will continue to swirl leading up to June.

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Report: Warriors ‘aren’t believed to be high’ on LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman

Where do LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman fall on the Golden State Warriors 2020 draft board?

Although there is still a long way until the NBA draft, the buzz is already starting to circulate around the Golden State Warriors’ pick.

With a 15-50 record, the Warriors will have a chance to grab an elite prospect at the start of the lottery. However, the 2020 draft class still has a bit of mystery to it.

With the college basketball season over, names like Isaac Okoro, Obi Toppin and Onyeka Okongwu have surged to the top of many draft boards. Yet, two prospects have dominated the start of mock drafts for months.

James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball are considered high caliber prospects by many, but the Warriors might think differently.

According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Golden State Warriors “aren’t believed to be high” on Ball or Wiseman.

Via the San Francisco Chronicle:

According to multiple league sources The Chronicle contacted in the past few days, the Warriors — contrary to what mock drafts might suggest — aren’t believed to be high on two of the three players being mentioned as possibilities at the No. 1 pick: former Memphis center James Wiseman and point guard LaMelo Ball, who last played for the Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League. As one source put it, “I think they’d only take one of those two if they were trading down in the draft and taking them for another team.

Each prospect has an appealing skill set that bills them worthy of a high selection, but both have their question marks.

Ball’s blend of size and playmaking skills make him an intriguing point guard prospect. Yet, there are still concerns about his fit in Golden State. At the start of his career, the Chino Hills product would likely have to come off the bench behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

After a stint of eligibility problems, Wiseman’s college basketball career ended after three games. Although the young big’s time with the Memphis Tigers was impressive, there’s still only limited evidence to project Wiseman’s game to the next level.

The steady play of Marquese Chriss could take Golden State out of the running for Wiseman’s talents. Bob Myers and Steve Kerr could opt to use their pick on a wing instead of investing in the frontcourt.

Although the speculation surrounding the Warriors’ upcoming pick has already kicked off, the draft process is only in the early stages. A lot could change as June approaches.

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Narrowing down 8 NBA draft prospects the Warriors could be ‘zeroing in on’

Steve Kerr said the Warriors are focusing on “seven or eight” top prospects for the 2020 NBA draft.

With the NBA season on hold, the Golden State Warriors are turning their attention to the summer. For the first time in years, the Warriors look destined to own a top pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

In a San Francisco radio interview on Thursday, Steve Kerr said that Bob Myers gave him “about seven or eight” prospects the Warriors are “zeroing in on” for June’s draft.

Via KNBR 680:

Bob and his staff kind of gave me about seven or eight college guys that we’re zeroing in on for the draft. So, I’ve been doing that for them and then also for, for some of the free agents.

While the 2020 draft doesn’t have a headlining name like Zion Williamson, there’s a bevy of intriguing options at the top of the lottery. With no clear consensus number one prospect, the Warriors will be challenged with finding the right fit for their run back to the playoffs.

With the draft three months away, Warriors Wire examined the 2020 draft class to find the potential top eight prospects that fit in Golden State.

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Warriors are ‘zeroing in on’ at least 7 prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft

With the NBA draft approaching, the Warriors are locking in on a group of prospects.

In years past, the Golden State Warriors have spent the month of March preparing for the playoffs. With the worst record in the league in the 2019-20 season and only 17 games left on the calendar, the Warriors are turning their attention to the draft.

While the NBA season is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the days are still ticking down till June’s upcoming draft. With no opponents scheduled on the calendar, the Warriors are using their time away from game action to study for the upcoming draft class.

Golden State is in line for a top pick in June’s draft, and according to Steve Kerr, the Warriors have narrowed their search to “seven or eight” prospects.

On Thursday, Kerr joined Tom Tolbert, Rod Brooks and Larry Krueger on KNBR 680 in San Francisco. Golden State’s head coach shared some insight into the Warriors’ draft prep.

Via KNBR:

Bob and his staff kind of gave me about seven or eight college guys that we’re zeroing in on for the draft. So, I’ve been doing that for them and then also for, for some of the free agents.

While the class is filled with intriguing players, there’s not a consensus top overall prospect like years of the past that included Zion Williamson.

Onyeka Okongwu, Deni Avdija and Issac Okoro have tremendous raw potential that could help Golden State in the future. However, with the Warriors eyeing a return at the playoffs, they could opt for a top-billed prospect like Obi Toppin, James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball.

With the NBA not scheduled to return until further notice, the Warriors will have plenty of time to find the player that fits their plan.

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