Golden State Warriors: Curbing Your Enthusiasm for Andre Iguodala

1. Draft Picks

April 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots against New Orleans Hornets center Robin Lopez (15) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

After the dust cleared on the Iguodala trade, it became obvious that the Warriors didn’t just turn Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson into an Olympian. The Dubs lost five draft picks in the process, two of them being first rounders. The three second rounders aren’t that bad given the Warriors penchant for buying into the draft, but the unprotected first rounder in 2014 is particularly hard to stomach, especially with next years draft being heralded as one of the greatest and deepest in history.

Though someone like Jabari Parker, Andrew Wiggins or Julius Randle would have likely never dropped down to the Warriors’ level, the number of prospective “franchise talents” in this draft is inordinately high.

The management’s decision to value Iguodala over draft picks and potential free-agent signings in the future is a sign that they have faith in the health of the team and that short-term success is more important than long-term assets.