Golden State Warriors: 2014 NBA Draft Outlook

The 13th Pick

Nov 29, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Rodney Hood (5) makes a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the NIT Season Tip-Off Championship Game at Madison Square Garden. Arizona won the game 72-66. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The most common pick the Warriors have been rumored to acquire thus far is the 13th pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kelly Olynyk, Kendall Marshall and Markief Morris are a few players selected in that slot in past years. Jrue Holiday, Eric Bledsoe, Kawhi Leonard and Iman Shumpert are examples of players selected in recent years after pick 13 and a few players selected just before 13 are Paul George, Klay Thompson, Michael Carter-Williams and Brook Lopez.

The point is that there are many quality players that are usually available around this pick and with the depth of this draft class, the Warriors would find themselves in a spot to draft a potential impact player. If the Kevin Love deal that sends back the 13th pick does get done, it would be at the expense of Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, or maybe both. In any scenario, a wing player would be needed to fill the void

Some potential shooting guards that may be available around this slot are Gary Harris (Michigan State), Zach LaVine (UCLA), Nik Stauskas (Michigan) and a few small forwards are Doug McDermott (Creighton), Rodney Hood (Duke), Kyle Anderson (UCLA), T.J. Warren (N.C. State) and James Young (Kentucky).

Because, in this scenario, shooting guard would be the primary void, Harris, LaVine and Stauskas would be the three most logical picks. Each player brings something different to the table; Harris is a “3 and D” guy who is well coached and possesses high basketball IQ, LaVine is an ultra-athlete who can score at the rim and Stauskas has a smooth stroke that would pair nicely with Stephen Curry.