Simmons picks Wagner over Kuminga for Warriors in mock draft

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The 2021 NBA Draft just is days away, and all eyes in the basketball world are on the Warriors.

As we wait to see if they execute a trade for Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal, the mock drafts continue to flow.

Bill Simmons, Kevin O'Connor, Jonathan Tjarks and J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer went through the exercise on The Bill Simmons Podcast, with Simmons ultimately playing the role of general manager with the final decision.

The first six picks in order were Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Jalen Suggs, Scottie Barnes and James Bouknight.

Before the Warriors were on the clock at No. 7 overall, Simmons adamantly said they will not be selecting Jonathan Kuminga if he's still on the board. So the 6-foot-8 forward was not even up for consideration.

After Davion Mitchell and Josh Giddey were discussed as potential options, the conversation pivoted to another prospect.

Tjarks: "My guy right here would be Franz Wagner. I think he's the underplayed value in the back of the top 10. He can guard three positions -- protect the rim, switch screens -- he's a really smart player [and] thinks the game at a high level.

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"He's the only guy in this draft who can guard big wings and spread the floor. He's a good athlete. He can play right away. That's the kind of guy Golden State needs."

Simmons: "I'm with Tjarks. I think it's gotta be Wagner here. I can possibly get Mitchell later. And if I can't get Mitchell, I know I can get [Chris] Duarte. Wagner -- they just don't have a guy like this ... just feels like the kind of guy I can see playing with Curry and Thompson."

KOC: "I love the Wagner pick. That's good."

Mann: "He's high-motored. He's mean as s--t on defense. And he's gonna be ready to play. I like that."

Wagner averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks as a sophomore at Michigan, while shooting 47.7 percent overall and 34.3 percent from deep.

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The 6-foot-9 forward does not turn 20 years old until Aug. 27.

A lot of analysts believe the Sacramento Kings will take Wagner with the ninth overall pick if he's still available.

The German native's older brother is Moe Wagner -- the No. 25 pick back in 2018.

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