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2021 NBA Draft: Warriors could miss out on top tier of forwards

By Nathan Beighle

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils drives to the basket against the Nysier Brooks #3 of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils drives to the basket against the Nysier Brooks #3 of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have the No. 7 and No. 14 picks in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft, and unless they couple the two to move up into the top-6 spots, they could lose out on the top-tier forwards.

It’s easy to understand why the Warriors may want a forward. While playmaking will be their first option, they can get that with one of the top-tier forwards, but they could be just outside their grasp.

With two lottery picks, the Golden State Warriors, who were awarded the No. 7 overall pick, may miss out on the top tier of forwards.

After the NBA Lottery was finished, SB Nation relieved an updated mock draft. The Dubs weren’t able to get Scottie Barnes or Jonathan Kuminga. While Jalen Johnson is there, he’s typically not a top-7 pick.

Missing on Barnes, Kuminga, and even Jalen Green, who is listed as a guard but is an athletic 6-foot-5, could be brutal.

While Johnson may be there, the Warriors may be better off taking the best available option if they miss on the G-League Ignite’s Kuminga. He should be their prime target, and sadly, he’s typically mocked just above the Warriors pick.

That’s why the Warriors should consider coupling the two picks to move up to potentially No 5. The Orlando Magic sit at No. 5 with the Oklahoma City Thunder slated to pick with the No. 6 overall selection.

CBS Sports’ post-lottery mock draft mimics the SB Nation one except for the 5th and 6th overall pick are switched with Barnes going 6 and Kuminga at 5. If getting a backup to Andrew Wiggins is an important offseason need, the Warriors may have to trade up to do just that in the draft.

Golden State drafted James Wiseman last season and have a dynamic duo in Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, players that should be starters for the franchise over the next several seasons. Small forward is really the only position that could be up for grabs, and it’s one they need to target.

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Barnes or Kuminga may be the ideal prospects, but they’re looking a bit too rich for the Warriors as it currently stands.

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