The NBA is moving towards a two-part combine that won’t include a workout. This will be beneficial for the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors will get a two-part NBA Combine in order to help them prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft. On top of the film of prospects, the Warriors will be able to use the combine to solidify who they’ll be taking at No. 2.
While most insiders still expect them to trade the pick, the Warriors have plans of drafting a wing with the pick. That narrows the options down tremendously if it’s not just another pre-draft smokescreen.
We’ve seen many reports over the last few months claiming an interest in James Wiseman and Tyrese Haliburton, calling him the best guard in the draft. However, for Golden State, it’s more than just their ceiling.
It’s about their personality. With the prospect immediately joining a championship-contending team, they need to be poised to play in the postseason and contribute. That type of composure should be noticeable in their pre-draft interviews, one part of the combine.
The other, according to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania will be virtual interviews and in-market medical exams.
Sources: The NBA is planning for Draft Combine process beginning later this month with two parts:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 11, 2020
- Mid-September to early October: In-market medicals and on-court; virtual interviews
- Mid-October to Draft date: In-person interviews; no workouts
The combine, given what the Warriors need to see from a player, should be helpful.
While on-court workouts won’t be allowed, the Warriors should get a good grip on who is ready for the spotlight. Better yet, they should also be able to tell who may take a backseat and learn for a few seasons before becoming the future of the franchise.
Players like LaMelo Ball likely won’t fit that mold as he’ll want a big-market franchise where he can immediately take over as the go-to player. The Warriors top target should be international wing Deni Avdija, a 6-foot-9 forward with the savviness to efficiency produce in limited minutes.
The combine, despite the on-court workouts not happening, should bring light to if he’s the player that could one day lead the franchise. At the very least, it’s better than nothing.