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Golden State Warriors: Pros and Cons of finishing in NBA Draft Lottery

By Tony Pesta

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the sideline during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 23, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the sideline during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 23, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors: Pros of being in NBA Draft Lottery

It’s not unrealistic for the Golden State Warriors to finish as a lottery team for the second straight season. What would the benefits be?

Trade Value

One of the more obvious options the Warriors would have with a lottery pick is increased trade value. This current roster is nice, and it will be even better when Klay Thompson returns, but it could certainly improve with a big-time trade.

Any team looking to trade a star is going to ask for draft picks in return. The higher the pick, the more likely it is the Dubs can swing for the fences and acquire a fourth star to pair with Curry, Green and Thompson.

Potential Building Block

Of course, the Dubs can keep the pick for themselves as well. The 2021 NBA Draft is LOADED with talent. Assuming they luck out and grab another top-three pick (which is entirely possible due to the flattened lottery odds) the Warriors would have a chance at selecting names like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs and Evan Mobley.

Adding a building block for the future would be phenomenal at this stage of the Warriors’ dynasty. Their current core is aging and drafting a superstar to carry the torch would be an ideal outcome for the Dubs.

Rest for Stars

There’s a good chance the Warriors pull it together and make the playoffs this season if Curry and Green remain on the floor each night. However, if the front office begins to strategically rest their two stars in back-to-backs and during long road trips, we could see the Dubs slip to the back of the standings – and this would ultimately help their title chances next season.

Curry and Green have had plenty of time to rest after missing most of last season and an eight-month layoff during the summer. Still, the two are carrying a heavy load this year and don’t want to risk being overworked before Thompson can return. Tanking helps keep them fresh and ready for a title run next year.

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