Golden State Warriors NBA Draft: James Wiseman emerging as clear choice

Seeing through the smoke screens and potential trades, James Wiseman looks like the clear NBA Draft choice for the Golden State Warriors.

Within just a few weeks, we will finally learn what the Golden State Warriors intend to do with their 2020 NBA Draft pick. While we have heard a ton of rumors involving potential trades and different prospects the Warriors are interested in – James Wiseman is slowly emerging as the clear favorite.

Wiseman is the obvious pick from a fit standpoint. The Warriors need a center – and Wiseman is projected to be the best center in his class (with respect to Onyeka Okongwu). Wiseman not only plugs any gaps in their interior defense but is an easy target for points in the paint on the other end.

Intel on the Warriors’ intentions has varied. Some analysts seem sure the franchise will trade the pick. Others suggest the Dubs keep it for themselves. All we know for sure is if the Warriors hold onto the pick, Wiseman looks like their guy.

Johnathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report posted a new mock draft on Wednesday where he expressed that the Warriors are higher on Wiseman than any other prospect. He also stated that there is a growing belief the Dubs look to keep the pick.

"“While a lot of trade speculation involves the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors, NBA front office members and agents believe it’s more realistic to expect action from teams in the Nos. 6-12 range…Odds are, the Warriors stay put despite all the trade chatter, and we’re hearing there is more support for  James Wiseman than Anthony Edwards in Golden State’s front office. Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin and Tyrese Haliburton figure to remain in play, but it’s presumed they’re more trade-down targets.”"

This report can be contradictory to other things we have heard throughout the months but it’s likely the truth is somewhere in the midst of all of these smoke screens. One thing is for sure, the Warriors front office is working hard to put this team in the best possible position for success.

Perhaps the best way to do this is by drafting Wiseman. Aside from 3-point shooting, Wiseman appears to be a fairly safe prospect. He is going to protect the rim at a high-level and his athleticism will make him a good finisher on the other end. The Warriors can offer a perfect environment for him to thrive as a role player.