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NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Wolves trade down, Warriors surprise?

By Dylan Jackson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 01: Josh Giddey of the 36ers speaks to the media pre game during the round 16 NBL match between the Adelaide 36ers and the Brisbane Bullets at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on May 01, 2021, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Barnes/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 01: Josh Giddey of the 36ers speaks to the media pre game during the round 16 NBL match between the Adelaide 36ers and the Brisbane Bullets at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on May 01, 2021, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Barnes/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. Guard. 14. player. Scouting Report. INTL. Josh Giddey. 41

NBA Mock Draft: Golden State Warriors select Josh Giddey at #14

OKAY. The Golden State Warriors missed on LaMelo Ball last year. Like, really badly. James Wiseman could be a great pro – but his impact on the floor is never going to reach that of Ball. To throw salt on the wound, Ball is exactly what the Warriors need in a complementary player, as well. He would fit very well next to Steph Curry as a secondary ball-handler.

And that’s part of the reason why they take Josh Giddey here. Giddey is a tall, lengthy point guard that brings a lot of upside – potential that is hard to pass on at this stage in the draft. The Golden State Warriors are in need of cost-controlled talent (given, well, the contracts of Curry, Thompson, Green, and Wiggins) and Giddey is someone that should be able to give Steve Kerr minutes right away. The Warriors are going to need a long-term backup guard, and Giddey would be selected for that purpose.

The Warriors are also infamously one of the best talent-developing teams in the league. Giddey would be prioritized on a team that really needs young talent to transition to as Curry, Thompson, and Green age out of their primes.

The Warriors could obviously trade this draft pick. They could try and add another piece to help them win-now. But I don’t think they will. Getting another young player that doesn’t cost a significant amount of money might be worth more than a pricey veteran at this point.

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