Warriors add burst of athleticism and needed depth in the NBA Wire two-round mock draft

After landing James Wiseman in the first round, the Warriors added Nico Mannion and Lamar Stevens in round two of the NBA Wire mock draft.

With the long-awaited NBA draft just days away, the editors and writers at USA TODAY’s SMG Network joined forces for a full two-round mock draft.

Each editor split up to take over as general managers for different teams on the draft big board.

While trade offers were available, the Warriors Wire team decided to stay on the clock and make the pick at No. 2 overall. With Georgia’s Anthony Edwards off the board to the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 1, the Golden State Warriors landed Memphis center James Wiseman with the second pick in the draft.

Although intriguing prospects like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Deni Avdija and Devin Vassell were on the board, the Memphis big man checked off a myriad of boxes for Golden State’s draft needs. While providing a boost of athleticism and size to the rotation, Wiseman could serve as a potential foundational piece for Golden State’s future.

Via Rookie Wire:

While there’s no doubt they will explore moving the pick for an established veteran, one prospect still gives Golden State a win-now threat with a building block for the future. James Wiseman with the No. 2 overall pick fills a positional need in the frontcourt while providing a much-needed jolt of athleticism to Kerr’s rotation.

After Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee and Andrew Bogut primarily roamed the center position during the Curry era, Wiseman provides a new dynamic to Golden State’s roster. As the 19-year-old continues to develop his jumper and build experience, Wiseman could immediately serve as a devastating lob threat in Kerr’s up-tempo offense and a rim protector behind Green on the defensive end.

If the former McDonald’s All-American lives up to his pre-draft hype, Wiseman could be the centerpiece of Golden State’s bridge between their veteran-championship core and the future.

Forty-six picks later, Warriors Wire was back on the clock with Golden State’s first second-round pick. While it’s likely Myers and Kerr target potential stash pieces, prospects like Abdoulaye N’Doye and Leandro Bolmaro were off the board at No. 48.

Instead of a stash, Warriors Wire selected a former five-star recruit in the second round. Arizona’s Nico Mannion could provide depth at point guard while learning from Curry.

Although Jordan Poole showed glimpses of potential in a playmaking point guard role for Golden State last season, the Warriors could still use another piece to develop behind Stephen Curry. With shooters around him, Nico Mannion could show off his impressive passing arsenal in Steve Kerr’s offense.

Similar to Golden State’s past picks like Draymond Green and Eric Paschall, Warriors Wire opted for an established college veteran with their final pick in the 2020 draft. At No. 51 overall, Penn State’s Lamar Stevens lands in the Bay Area.

The Warriors have had success when drafting experienced college players in the past with Draymond Green and Eric Paschall. After averaging double-figures in scoring in all four of his seasons in Happy Valley, Lamar Stevens fits Golden State’s profile for a second-round pick.

View the complete NBA Wire mock draft here.

[lawrence-related id=27791,26576,25658,25400]

[listicle id=28935]

[vertical-gallery id=30708]