| 30 Teams, 30 Days: Golden State Draft Preview (18th) Authored by Christopher Reina - June 19, 2007 - 1:15 pm
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2006-2007 Finish: 42-40
Draft Picks: 18th, 36th, 46th
What they do well
As evidenced by their playoff run, the Warriors play a fun and gun style of basketball that is as exciting and as chaotically refined as anyone’s.
When healthy and motivated, Baron Davis is one of the best five or six playmakers in the game. He sets up a very talented surrounding core of Jason Richardson, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington.
Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins are two of the most promising young players in the game and will either be used as chips for a trade or will eventually become the front and center future of the franchise.
Defensively, the Warriors are an underrated team, possessing the ability to shutdown top scorers (ex: Dirk Nowitzki) and are amongst the best in the game at defending the passing lanes.
Where do they need improvement?
Without a doubt, the Warriors need help on the boards. An athletic power forward who can block shots and rebound should be where Chris Mullin & Co. exclusively look. With their style and current personnel, a player who can create his own shot is absolutely unnecessary, so long as he has soft hands and can finish with explosive authority.
The pickings at this position are somewhat slim, however, at the 18th slot and they would favor the slippage of a player they have high on their board than a reach for need.
Who they should target?
- Sean Williams, Boston College:
Based on need and upside, Williams would be the perfect selection for the Warriors should they hold onto the 18th pick and not make a move for Yi Jianlian. He has a preternatural gift to block shots and would love to run the floor beside the Warriors. If DeVon Hardin would have remained in the draft, he would have been a similar alternative.
- Jason Smith, Colorado State:
Smith is a very athletic 6-11 power forward with a very advanced offensive game, but he lacks great instincts to rebound and shot block. He is a player worth looking at, but would likely duplicate many of the same skills the Warriors already have in Harrington.
- Tiago Splitter, TAU Ceramica:
Splitter is worth looking at, but the Warriors are unlikely to want to wait for him since it is unlikely that he comes to the NBA this season. He is a nice all-around player who can block a few shots and rebound, but his allure has certainly faded.
Picks since 2000
The Warriors have historically drafted very well in the second round, mining gems such as Monta Ellis and Gilbert Arenas. Mullin does not ‘draft by numbers’ as every pick has been somewhat surprising, including the ‘safe pick’ of Patrick O’Bryant last year.
2006
Patrick O’Bryant, 9th
Kosta Perovic, 38th
2005
Ike Diogu, 9th
Monta Ellis, 40th
Chris Taft, 42nd
2004
Andris Biedriņš, 11th
2003
Mickael Pietrus, 11th
Derrick Zimmerman, 40th
2002
Mike Dunleavy, Jr., 3rd
Steve Logan, 30th
2001
Jason Richardson, 5th
Troy Murphy, 14th
Gilbert Arenas, 31st
2000
Chris Porter, 55th |
