Tag: Golden State Warriors Draft

Draft Rewind: Warriors select Adonal Foyle out of Colgate in 1997 first round

Before the Warriors are on the clock in 2020, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s draft history to highlight memorable picks.

Before the Golden State Warriors are on the clock with the No. 2 overall selection next month, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s draft history to highlight some of the most memorable picks — trades, surprises, busts, sleepers and everything in between.

In the 1997 NBA Draft, the Warriors were able to find a prospect that would remain in the Bay Area for the next 10 seasons.

June 25, 1997

The San Antonio Spurs opened the 1997 edition of the NBA draft by selecting future Hall of Fame power forward Tim Duncan. Before the top-10 picks came to a close, the Golden State’s Garry St. Jean and P.J. Carlesimo were on the clock.

With the No. 9 pick in the draft, the Golden State Warriors landed Adonal Foyle out of Colgate University.

While helping push Colgate to two trips to the NCAA Tournament, the 6-foot-10 center averaged 20.4 points on 56.6% shooting from the field with 12.7 rebounds and 5.7 blocks during his three-year stint with the Raiders.

In his final season at Colgate, the center averaged an eye-opening 6.4 blocks per contest. Prior to declaring for the NBA draft, Foyle was the NCAA’s all-time leader in blocks with 492.

Along with winning Patriot League Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons, Bey earned a spot on the AP All-American Third-team.

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As a rookie, Foyle played in 55 games, tallying 3.0 points on 40.6% shooting from the field with 3.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per contest.

After developing into a frontcourt contributor, Foyle went on to play 10 consecutive seasons in the Bay Area. Over his 10 year career with the Warriors, Foyle averaged 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 points and 1.8 blocks per contest.

Watch highlights from Foyle’s run with the Warriors via YouTube:

Before retiring in 2009, Foyle recorded minutes for the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies. Once his playing days were over, Foyle joined the Magic’s front office as the team’s director of player development until 2012.

Foyle currently serves as a basketball analyst for post-game commentary on ABC 7’s “After the Game” in the Bay Area.

Other notable members of the 1997 NBA Draft class included Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady.

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Draft Rewind: Warriors select Baylor’s Ekpe Udoh in 2010 first round

Before the Warriors are on the clock in 2020, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s draft history to highlight memorable picks.

Before the Golden State Warriors are on the clock with the No. 2 selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s draft catalog to highlight some of the most memorable picks — trades, surprises, busts, sleepers and everything in between.

After landing Stephen Curry with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Larry Riley and Keith Smart had the opportunity to build around their NBA All-Rookie Team member.

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June 24, 2010

The Washington Wizards kicked off the 2010 edition of the NBA Draft by selecting John Wall out of the University of Kentucky. The Sacramento Kings capped off the top five by taking Wall’s teammate DeMarcus Cousins. Following the future Golden State center heading to California’s capital, the Warriors were on the clock.

After finishing with a 26-56 record, the Warriors were slated to pick in the top-10 for the second consecutive season. With the No. 6 pick in the 2010 draft, the Warriors penned Ekpe Udoh out of Baylor.

After spending his first two college seasons at Michigan, the 6-foot-10 forward spent the final season of his college career in the Big 12 with Baylor. During his only season in Waco, Udoh averaged 13.9 points on 49% from the field with 9.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. 

Before declaring for the draft, Udoh was named as an honorable mention for the AP All-American Team along with earning bids to the All-Big 12 Second Team and All-Big 12 Defensive Team.

With Curry and Monta Ellis in the backcourt, Udoh averaged 4.1 points on 43.7% shooting from the field with 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.8 minutes per contest as a rookie.

Watch a highlight from Udoh’s rookie season in the Bay Area via YouTube:

During the 2011-12 season, the Warriors included Udoh in a deal that sent Monta Ellis, Kwame Brown and the Baylor product to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson. After two and a half seasons in Milwaukee, Udoh signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Following one season in Southern California, the shot-blocking big man opted to play in Europe for Fenerbahçe.

On his way to winning a EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahçe in 2017, Udoh was named to the All-EuroLeague First team and EuroLeague Final Four Most Valuable Player. During his time with Fenerbahçe, Udoh played with former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett and current Sacramento Kings wing Bogdan Bogdanović.

Following his two seasons in Turkey, Udoh returned to the NBA with the Utah Jazz in 2017. Udoh spent two seasons with the Jazz, averaging 2.5 points on 57.3% shooting from the field with 2.1 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per contest.

Along with Wall and Cousins, other notable members of the 2010 NBA Draft class included Gordon Hayward, Paul George, Evan Turner, Derrick Favors, Eric Bledsoe, Avery Bradley, Patrick Patterson, Ed Davis, Al-Farouq Aminu and Lance Stephenson.

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Source: Warriors to interview Penn State’s Lamar Stevens at NBA Draft Combine

According to a source, Penn State’s Lamar Stevens is slated to speak with the Golden State Warriors at the NBA Draft Combine on Thursday.

Before they’re on the clock with the No. 2 overall selection in November, the Golden State Warriors will cross off one of the final steps of the pre-draft process.

At the virtual edition of the NBA Draft Combine, Steve Kerr and Bob Myers will be able to meet with prospects from the 2020 pool. During post-combine media availability, Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton and France’s Killian Hayes have confirmed their pre-draft interviews with the Warriors.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to USA TODAY Sports Media Group on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, Penn State’s Lamar Stevens is one of the players scheduled to speak with the Warriors. This was confirmed by a second person, who added that the interview is scheduled for Thursday.

In Rookie Wire’s Mock Draft 5.0 from Bryan Kalbrosky, the 6-foot-8 forward landed with the Washington Wizards with the No. 56 selection in the second round. Stevens ranked as the No. 69 overall prospect on Rookie Wire’s Pre-Combine Top-100 Big Board. According to Rookie Wire, Stevens is an “above-average finisher” as the ball handler in pick-and-roll possessions for someone his size.

Here is what Stevens recently told Kalbrosky about this unusual skill set (via HoopsHype):

“Playing at Penn State, I was able to showcase more of my offensive game. I think I can make plays, especially when there are bigger guys on me. I’m too quick, too athletic, and a lot of time, too strong for a bigger man to stay in front of me. If there’s a small guy, I usually bring them into the post. In pick-and-roll situations, usually against a bigger person, head coach Pat Chambers trusted me to make those plays. We had plays designed to have me come off of the pick-and-roll and they were pretty successful.”

Stevens is one of the more experienced players in the 2020 class, starting all four years with the Nittany Lions. On his way to leading Penn State to a national ranking as a senior in 2020, Stevens tallied 17.6 points on 43.3% shooting from the field with 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals in 31.1 minutes per game.

In a tilt against potential first-rounder Daniel Oturu and Minnesota in February, Stevens recorded a career-high 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field. The 23-year-old added seven boards and three assists in Penn State’s 83-77 win over the Golden Gophers.

After impressive campaigns in 2019 and 2020, Stevens was named to the All-Big Ten First-Team in back-to-back seasons. In Penn State’s run to the NIT Championship in 2018, Stevens earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. Along with his accolades on the court, Stevens penned his own children’s book titled “Lamar’s Climb — A Journey to Happy Valley.”

Similar to Eric Paschall and Draymond Green, Stevens fits the accomplished college player mold the Warriors have had success drafting during the second round in the past.

With a handful of expensive contracts on the books, Kerr and Myers will need to identify talent in the later rounds they can plug around Green, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins.

While Golden State’s first-round pick will make headlines, their ability to add steady contributors with a pair of second-round selections could be a key factor in the Warriors climb back to the top of the Western Conference.

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Draft Rewind: Warriors select Michigan State’s Jason Richardson in 2001 first round

In the 2001 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors added Michigan State’s Jason Richardson and Notre Dame’s Troy Murphy in the first round.

With the Warriors not participating in the league’s Orlando return, the next important date on Golden State’s calendar will come on draft day. For the first time since 2002, the Warriors will be on the clock in the top five.

Before October’s draft rolls around, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s draft history to highlight the most memorable selections — trades, surprises, busts, sleepers and everything in between.

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Long before the Warriors added Draymond Green in the second round of the 2012 draft, Golden State found success with another Michigan State product in 2001.

July 27, 2001

The Washington Wizards started the 2001 draft selecting Kwame Brown out of Glynn Academy in Georgia. Fast forward four picks, and the Golden State Warriors were on the clock.

With the No. 5 overall selection in the draft, Golden State general manager Gary St. Jean selected Jason Richardson out of Michigan State. Later in the draft, the Warriors added Notre Dame’s Troy Murphy and Arizona’s Gilbert Arenas.

As a sophomore in Tom Izzo’s program, Richardson was named a second-team All American, averaging 14.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Alongside fellow first-rounder Zach Randolph, the duo helped lead the Spartans to the 2001 NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Watch highlights from Richardson’s run in East Lansing via YouTube:

As a rookie, Richardson started 75 games averaging 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Richardson’s impressive debut campaign earned him a nod to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team.

The Michigan State product showed off at the 2002 All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, earning Most Valuable Player of the Rising Stars Challenge and winning the Slam Dunk Contest.

Watch highlights from Richardson’s Slam Dunk Championship via YouTube:

Outside of the Golden State trio and Randolph, other notable selections from the 2001 draft class included Tyson Chandler, Spain’s Paul Gasol, Duke’s Shane Battier, Arkansas’ Joe Johnson, Arizona’s Richard Jefferson and France’s Tony Parker.

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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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