NBA Mock Draft: Wolves take Minn native, Rockets get lucky
![INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bd2a063908487198d6d96e63533f01cb912ebc9e271f3d6ef2ae6118783db377.jpg)
Josh Giddey. 14. player. 41. . Guard. Golden State Warriors
There are several players I’ve mocked to the Golden State Warriors in my mock drafts this draft cycle – but by far my favorite player here is Josh Giddey – the international guard/wing that impressed with his basketball knowledge, passing, and versatility in the NBL this past season.
NBA Mock Draft: Golden State Warriors take Josh Giddey
For a large part of the year, the Warriors secondary playmaker was Brad Wanamaker. And put simply – that just is not going to cut it for a team with playoff aspirations. Giddey, a full 6-foot-8, can play either on or off ball as a great playmaker, proactively creating buckets for his teammates – and should really excel given the off-ball dominance that both Klay Thompson and Steph Curry consistently have.
Steve Kerr didn’t quite get the most out of James Wiseman like I believed he would – and they really missed out by passing on LaMelo Ball. In this scenario, they don’t even get to keep the Timberwolves selection.
That said, Giddey is a pro-ready player that should have a clear and defined role from the jump. With the talent that Golden State has / would have, there should be no excuses as to missing the playoffs this coming season.
There are other players that the Warriors could consider here, though – such as Tre Mann out of Florida. Mann would be more of an upside play, and is a good all-aroudn score-first guard. He doesn’t bring as much proactive passing, but would be fine as a secondary/tertiary ball-handler.
Another player that would make sense here is Ziaire Williams – who doesn’t fit the playmaking role – but could very well become a three and D wing in the long term.