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Golden State Warriors: 5 Best options in 2021 NBA Draft

By Tony Pesta

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Josh Giddey of the Adelaide 36ers celebrates during the round 13 NBL match between the Adelaide 36ers and the Perth Wildcats at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on April 10, 2021, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Josh Giddey of the Adelaide 36ers celebrates during the round 13 NBL match between the Adelaide 36ers and the Perth Wildcats at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on April 10, 2021, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors NBA Draft (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors NBA Draft (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Golden State Warriors select Jalen Johnson

Straying away from the guards in this class is an intriguing prospect in the frontcourt. While names like Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner and Jonathan Kuminga will be on the Golden State Warriors’ radar as well — Jalen Johnson is the most talented prospect who will realistically be available at No. 7.

What makes Johnson appealing to the Dubs? Well, other than his size at 6’9″ and supreme athleticism — Johnson flashed 3-point shooting and live-action playmaking during his freshman season with Duke.

Johnson is a raw prospect. This is something that might be seen as a reason to shy away from drafting him. However, for the Dubs, this is an opportunity to mold him into whatever they need him to be.

He has the skillset to be an incredibly versatile weapon. 3-point shooting? He clipped 44.4 percent of his attempts. Slashing? Johnson can jump out of the gym and has enough strength to muscle through smaller opponents. Playmaking? He’s received high praise from scouts for his court awareness and ability to make high-level reads with the ball in his hands.

Like most young prospects, Johnson has to overcome inconsistency as a shooter and defender. These are two aspects the Warriors are willing to take a chance on — considering they have the two best shooters in NBA history and a great defensive mentor in Draymond Green to help develop Johnson. At his best, he can act as a swift (potential) replacement for Kelly Oubre’s two-way presence.

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