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Golden State Warriors could draft Kevin Durant 2.0 in 2022

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center on February 05, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-88. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center on February 05, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-88. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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In an odd turn of events, the Golden State Warriors could find themselves drafting the next Kevin Durant in the 2022 NBA Draft.

The NBA is a strange place and unbelievable events occur nearly every day. For the Golden State Warriors, there is a slim possibility they are granted the chance to select Kevin Durant 2.0 in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Meet 16-year old Emoni Bates. A sophomore sensation, Bates has already graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, being compared to names such as Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Bates became just one of 13 high school athletes to earn a spot on the front page of SI, but is it all hype?

Bates has been described as a natural-born scorer. According to his profile in SI, a former recruiter of Kevin Durant stated that Bates is the same level of a shooter but possess a far better ball handle than KD had at that age.

These are lofty compliments for a 16-year-old. He is barely old enough to drive and has already been placed in the same breath as some of the NBA’s greatest players. But, this is for good reason.

Standing at 6’9″ and moving with the fluidity of a guard, Bates averaged 28.7 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. He broke the internet earlier in the year by exploding for 63 points and 21 rebounds.

You might be asking yourself, how in the world will the Warriors be in a position to draft Bates? Sure, the Dubs are in the NBA Draft Lottery this year, but they will surely be better by 2022, right?

Yes, assuming everybody stays healthy, the Dubs will likely be competing for championships across the next few seasons. However, there is a twisting series of events that could lead the Warriors to secure the top pick in 2022.

First, let’s analyze how Bates would even be eligible to be drafted in 2022 as that is the same year he is set to graduate high school. As of now, prospects must spend at least one year after high school either competing in college or overseas before being qualified for the draft.

However, as mentioned in Bates’ SI profile, the NBA is working on a new collective bargaining agreement that will allow high schools to jump straight to the league once again.

Okay, so how will the Warriors manage to earn the top pick?

Well, the Dubs currently own the Minnesota Timberwolves 2021 First Round pick. But, if the pick lands in the top three, the Wolves will maintain their selection and offer up their 2022 pick with no protections.

This means if a catastrophic event between D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns sees the Wolves falling apart and remaining in the lottery for the next few years, the Warriors have a (very) thin chance of pulling off the incredible and stealing the top pick in 2022.

dark. Next. 3 Reasons Obi Toppin makes the most sense

It goes without saying this is a ridiculous thing to be hoping for but stranger things have happened in the league. With a massive amount of luck, the Dubs could land a generational talent.

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