The Warriors appear to want a closer look at 2020 second-round draft pick Justinian Jessup's development, as they have sent a team scout to Australia to monitor his progress, ESPN's Olgon Uluc reported Friday night citing sources.
Jessup was drafted 51st overall by the Warriors in the 2020 NBA Draft and stashed with the Illawarra Hawks as part of the NBL's "Next Stars" program.
The Boise State product is averaging 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists, and has the league's best 3-point percentage of any player attempting at least five a game (46.8 percent).
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.
The 22-year-old has impressed Australian basketball icon and former Warrior Andrew Bogut, who believes he could be helping the Warriors right now.
“He battles. He’s got a high basketball IQ, and he’s got a wet ball," Bogut said (h/t Ethan Strauss). "Teams here are basically topping him off on everything. They’re making him go to the basket on everything. They’re not giving him any space and he’s still finding space to hit step-back 3s, creating space for his 3s.
"I honestly think he could find time for the Warriors right now. I think he’s young, he’s learning the game, but they need shooters down there in Golden State. You could put him in the corner, you’re not leaving him. So he would really help their offense from that point of view.”
RELATED: How Warriors planted seeds of pivot to future in loss to Clips
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Jessup will be spending the duration of the 2020-21 season in Australia per his agreement with the NBL, but potentially could join the Warriors' rotation in 2021-22.
Clearly, the Warriors believe he might if they are spending the money to send a scout down to evaluate his development more closely.