Golden State Warriors: Potential First Round Draft Picks

Apr 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors bench celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 133-126. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors have come a long way from drafting in the lottery five consecutive seasons from 2008-2012. The Warriors have had at least one draft pick in the lottery every year since the year 2000, with the exception of Marco Belinelli, who the team drafted 18th in 2007.

The team had its successes and failures in their lottery selections. The team hit home runs with the selections of players such as Stephen Curry, (seventh overall in 2009), Klay Thompson, (11th overall in 2011), and Harrison Barnes, (seventh overall in 2012). The team has also succeeded in the second round of the draft, particularly with the selection of Draymond Green as the 35th overall in the 2012 draft.

Like any team, the Warriors have also experienced their failures while drafting out of the lottery. The team has missed on players such as, Ekpe Udoh, (sixth overall in 2010), Patrick O’Bryant, (ninth overall in 2006), and Ike Diogu, (ninth overall in 2005).

In 2013, the team drafted with the 30th pick in the first round, and in 2014, the team did not have a first-round draft pick due to the Andre Iguodala three-team trade.

The era of the Warriors drafting in the lottery is over, and in 2015, it looks as if the Warriors will have one of the final two picks of the first round. While those picks may not bring as much value as a pick in the lottery would, it is still a first-round pick, and extremely vital to a young team like the Warriors.

Another reason this year’s first round pick is important is due to the team’s need to re-sign Draymond Green. The restricted free agent will most likely be signing a max contract, meaning the team will have to cut some players off the roster to be able to afford the deal. These cuts could be of players such as David Lee or Iguodala. This year’s draft pick will need to come in and be a formidable bench piece to make up for the loss.

The Warriors may be picking at the very back of the first round in 2015, but they must still find value with the selection. These players would be great selections for the Warriors and help the team continue their winning ways.

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