The Golden State Warriors are just a skosh away from being a dangerous team.
The upcoming draft is huge for the Warriors and the team has a major decision to make. Should Golden State trade the No. 7 pick?
The first scenario for the Warriors is to keep their pick and take a small forward. Small forward is the team’s biggest need and the draft has three quality options that can lad at the No. 7 pick.
With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist sure to be gone, the Warriors will be looking at North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes, Kentucky’s Terrence Jones and Baylor’s Perry Jones III. These are three solid options, with each player bringing a lot to the table.
With Barnes, the Warriors would be getting the best pure scorer of the three. Barnes came to North Carolina with huge hype, and though he may not have met the crazy expectations, Barnes still had two nice years as a Tar Heel.
Barnes fits the mold the mold of a small forward, standing at 6’8″ and is a polished scorer.
His biggest strength is his natural scoring ability, but Barnes did not display the ability in the NCAA tournament. The former Tar Heel only shot 33 percent from the field and did not impress scouts with his final impression.
Terrence Jones may have the highest upside, but also the biggest risk for the Warriors to take a No. 7. Jones played power forward this year at Kentucky with Kidd-Gilchrist playing small forward, but Jones is an NBA small forward. Standing at 6’9″, Jones has huge potential and can score from all over the court.
However, Jones’ biggest issue is his attitude. At times he pouts and doesn’t seem interested. When he plays his hardest, Jones is a fierce player with phenomenal abilities.
Then, there’s Perry Jones III. Jones doesn’t have a true position as he stands 6’11”, but can do everything on the floor. Jones can do it all, but is not polished in anything. He’s seen as a hybrid forward, but is most efficient within 12-18 feet of the hoop, making him an NBA power forward.
The Warriors will be very intrigued to see all three prospects workout.
Now, let’s talk about the scenario of the Warriors trading their No. 7 pick.
The Warriors own the No. 7, 30, 35 and 52 pick in the draft. The Warriors could package a deal to with draft picks and a veteran player to trade up to pick Kidd-Gilchrist. However, if the Warriors do this, they would have to deal with the Charlotte Bobcats and the team will want a lot for the No. 2 pick.
The Bobcats will not take just draft picks and a player Andris Biedrins. The Warriors would have to give up Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, David Lee or Andrew Bogut.
Simply put, Golden State can’t afford to lose these players and will not get rid of them. The Warriors do not have a good enough package of assets they are willing to give up in order to get Kidd-Gilchrist.
The Warriors should not trade their No. 7 pick as they do not have a enough to give to get the right player without jeopardizing what they have already built.
The team has three solid options to pick from if the players fall in their lap. Don’t be surprised if the Warriors take a risk on Terrence Jones if he works out well and answers questions on his attitude. Jones could fill a hole and if he lives up to his potential, the Warriors could be a dangerous team.
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