Best, worst-case scenarios for Warriors' top draft targets
Sometimes everything works out, sometimes it's a swing and a miss with draft prospects. Josh Schrock breaks down the top names in the 2020 NBA Draft.
We are a little over 24 hours away from the 2020 NBA Draft finally getting underway.
The Warriors have done copious amounts of homework. They’ve watched hours upon hours of film and conducted numerous virtual interviews with top prospects and those who know them best.
After a year spent sinking toward the bottom of the NBA, the Warriors are looking for a prospect who can both fill a role on a title-contending team immediately, and possibly grow into the next franchise cornerstone, helping bridge the gap from the Curry era to the next generation of Warriors basketball.
By now, you know who the Warriors have been connected to. You know that James Wiseman is the likely selection if they hold onto the No. 2 pick. You’ve heard that Tyrese Haliburton might be the best overall fit, and you are aware that Deni Avdija could end up being the cream of the crop.
We know the Warriors’ preferred targets, so let’s go through the list and break down the best- and worst-case scenario for each top prospect the Warriors have reported interest in.
Best-case scenario: The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is an explosive athlete and leaper. The Warriors and many other teams were in attendance in Maui when he put on a show in a win over Michigan State. He has an incredible ability to create off the dribble and has a big frame and strength that he can grow into. Edwards has said he models his game after Dwyane Wade and that’s the good comparison for his ceiling. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft, but if he can fine-tune his shot selection and lock in on defensive end, he has the ability to be the next Donovan Mitchell if everything pans out.
Worst-case scenario: For Edwards, this is easy. His shot selection never improves, and he spends his career settling for contested jumpers while never having an impact on a winning team. His lack of defensive intensity and questions about his love of the game prove correct and he spends his career getting buckets off the bench like Dion Waiters.
In all reality, Edwards probably lands somewhere in the middle and becomes a Zach LaVine-type player who can put up big numbers and be a star on a team that has no real chance at winning a title.
Best-case scenario: He has been compared to Chris Bosh and David Robinson, so that’s a great spot to put his ceiling. If Wiseman can improve his jump shot and polish off his offensive game, then he can become the NBA’s next great All-Star big man.
Worst-case scenario: The jump shot never improves and Wiseman spends his career as an athletic anchor on the defensive end who is known more for his shot blocking and rim running then his offensive feel much like Hassan Whiteside or DeAndre Jordan.
The middle ground sees Wiseman as a defensive presence who excels close to the basket and can occasionally step out hit a 3-point shot. He has All-Star potential, but his career could end with many wondering why he never reached his ceiling.
Best-case scenario: Ball is a big guard who excites with his flare in the passing game both in the half-court and in transition. He has great handles and a high basketball IQ. If he can become a more reliable shooter and a net neutral on defense then a Jason Kidd-esque career is in reach.
Worst-case scenario: If Ball’s 3-point shot doesn’t get better and he is unable to be a consistent finisher around the rim then he could end up being a bench point guard who impacts the game with his passing and not much else.
At 6-foot-7, there is a likely world where Ball is a higher-end NBA point guard who impacts the game with his passing, rebounding and scoring even without a consistent 3-point shot.
Best-case scenario: He's one of my favorite prospects in the draft. Avdija is a playmaking forward who is a capable ball-handler and talented finisher around the rim. If he can improve his range (33.6 percent from 3-point range last year) then he could become a dynamic point forward with the ability to become a multiple time NBA All-Star.
Worst-case scenario: The 3-pointer never materializes and his lack of athleticism sees him become a low-to-the-ground point forward off the bench who lacks the ability to be a dynamic scorer. There’s a very real possibility that Avdija has an NBA career much like that of Hedo Turkoglu -- a good run with a couple of elite seasons when everything clicked but short of an All-Star.
Best-case scenario: Many have compared Haliburton’s game to Lonzo Ball, but I think Haliburton is much more gifted offensive player than Ball was coming out of UCLA. If Haliburton’s game continues to evolve, he could become one of the most efficient, well-rounded offensive threats in the league. If everything pans out, he can become a guard who can both facilitate and score, giving him star potential.
Worst-case scenario: He isn’t able to facilitate as expected at the NBA level and becomes a solid bench player who does a lot of things well but has no elite trait. His floor is a solid bench guard who can knock down 3-pointers and defend at a high level.
Best-case scenario: The versatile forward has the perfect game for the modern NBA big man. He’s ferocious, athletic and can score in multiple ways. He’s an efficient shooter inside the arc and can step out and knock down 3-pointers. His ceiling sees him become a Blake Griffin or Amare Stoudamire like All-NBA big.
Worst-case scenario: Toppin’s 3-point shot isn’t reliable at the NBA level and his lack of lateral quickness makes him a liability on defense. He still impacts the game on the offensive end, but has trouble matching up against bigger forwards which makes him only a decent role player.
Best-case scenario: It’s tired but he really does have the ability to be the next Bam Adebayo. He has elite defensive skills and a ton of offensive potential. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft, so it might take some time for him to develop. But if everything comes together, he can have an All-NBA ceiling like Adebayo or Alonzo Mourning.
Worst-case scenario: The offensive game just never comes along and Okongwu is just bench big who makes money blocking shots and vacuuming up rebounds off the bench.
