Warriors fans are probably not too focused on who their team is going to select in the 2022 NBA Draft, but it’s never too early to take a look at what some experts are predicting the team will do in the first round.
Golden State is on track to have the 27th overall pick in the first round at the moment, and the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor projects the Warriors selecting Wendell Moore Jr., a forward out of Duke.
Moore averaged 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists during his junior season at Duke, and his stats have improved each season with the Blue Devils.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
According to O’Connor, Moore fits the Warriors because “Golden State values wings who can make quick decisions, shoot off the catch, and play hard on defense.”
O’Connor described Moore as a smooth ball handler, crafty finisher and intelligent cutter. His wingspan is close to seven feet and he can defend multiple positions, which fits with the Warriors’ mold. The 6-foot-5, 213-pound Moore is also an aggressive rebounder, according to O’Connor.
As for Moore’s weaknesses, O’Connor said the 20-year-old lacks an explosive first step, passes off shots when defenders back off and commits a lot of charges on offense along with “face-palm-worthy mistakes.”
Related: Poole joins Steph, KD in Warriors' record book with 20-point streak
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Unlike the past couple of drafts, the Warriors won’t be in the lottery this year and are more focused on making a deep playoff run at the moment. But Golden State has found gems late in the first round or early in the second round recently who have become major contributors to the current roster, including Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney and, of course, Draymond Green.
Whether it’s Moore or another prospect who falls to the Warriors late in the first round, the Warriors will hope that they can add a missing piece to the championship puzzle – or, in the best-case scenario, help Golden State defend an NBA title.