No prospect has been mentioned alongside the Warriors in NBA draft conversations more as of late than Memphis center James Wiseman. The Warriors’ only question mark in the starting lineup for the 2020-21 season comes at the five, as Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney, both of whom are closer to power forwards, represent the only options on the current roster at center.
Wiseman is 7-foot-1 and would give the Warriors size in the frontcourt that sorely was missed a season ago. But as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explained Monday afternoon, the Warriors aren’t the only team who has expressed strong interest in Wiseman, as the Charlotte Hornets, who own the No. 3 pick, also are in need of a star in the frontcourt.
“The big thing for Golden State is what Charlotte does,” Windhorst said on “The Jump.” “Charlotte is very interested in James Wiseman, and could move up to No. 1 to take him.”
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Multiple reports have popped up in recent days detailing the Hornets’ particular interest in Wiseman, and it’s no secret that both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Warriors have looked into potentially trading down with such little uncertainty in this year’s class. If Wiseman indeed is the player most coveted by the Warriors’ front office, but gets selected No. 1 overall by Charlotte or another team, Golden State could be more inclined to pursue a trade down.
“If Charlotte moves up and gets him, then I think you could see Golden State showing more interest in moving back,” Windhorst added.
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The Hornets have several center options on the current roster, but certainly could be eyeing an upgrade at the position. Both Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez are free agents, Cody Zeller is entering the final year of a bloated contract, and Jalen McDaniels is more comfortable playing either the three or four at the NBA level.
Charlotte could be looking to rebuild their team around Wiseman and the flurry of young former high draft picks on the Hornets’ roster. Minnesota is set at the center position with All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns, and likely will be looking at other positions in the lottery.
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The Warriors have been linked to numerous trade scenarios, and missing out on Wiseman could push general manager Bob Myers to strongly consider offers from teams lower in the lottery. With such a lengthy offseason due to not being invited to the NBA bubble in Orlando, Golden State’s front office has had ample time to focus on scouting and researching players, and reportedly have met with and looked into several prospects projected to go later in the lottery or even further back.
Onyeka Okongwu out of USC is another big man who recently has shot up draft boards, and offers a stronger defensive skillset right away, which the Warriors might desire more given their expectation of competing for a championship next year. But almost every indication points toward Wiseman or supreme athlete Anthony Edwards being the Warriors’ ideal choice.
Being able to pick up a veteran player and slide a few spots down in the first round might be more enticing for a team trying to extend its championship window with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green now all on the wrong side of 30.
The Warriors’ brain trust certainly is mapping out every possible scenario with how the top pick unfolds, but how desperate Charlotte is to bring Wiseman in could have a major impact on how the Warriors proceed come Nov. 18.