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The ideal offseason for the Golden State Warriors

By Gibson Lowenberg

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Andre Iguodala #9, Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a photo after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Andre Iguodala #9, Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a photo after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-90 in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

The Golden State Warriors have three picks in the draft this year, one in the first round and two in the second round

The Warriors have had a mild emphasis on retaining at least a few young players on their roster every year, consistently having first-round picks on their team every year.

So, it is unlikely that the Warriors trade their first-round pick this year.

It is still quite possible that they trade their two second-rounders (51 and 55) for cash to help majority owner Joe Lacob pay off a bit of the luxury tax that many have criticized the Warriors for. They would not get much in terms of cash, but enough to make it easier to sign players like Looney or Bamba.

That still leaves their 28th overall pick in the first round.

The Warriors are not unfamiliar with drafting this late in the draft, picking Jordan Poole at 28th overall in 2019 and Draymond Green at 35th overall in 2012, leaving optimism that they could pick a solid player here.

There are plenty of players available, but to me, Kendall Brown sticks out as the top choice. Brown is a small forward out of Baylor that specializes in defense. Every team would love a defensive specialist at the wing position.

Brown lacks a real ability to create his own shot, but that would be covered up by the playmaking of the Warriors. He has decent size for his position, he would already be the fourth tallest Warrior out of all the active players on the Finals roster.

Another choice could be Ismael Kamagate from France, a raw prospect at the center position.

He is athletic and has a lot of potential on both ends but may take some time getting used to how the NBA is played as most young big men do. Kamagate has the potential but may not be able to contribute this season as he is a young center.

Most young centers who are defensive specialists tend to take two to three years to adjust to the pace and space of the NBA, we saw this trend with players like Rudy Gobert and Robert Williams.

The only real exception to this rule would be Rookie of the Year runner-up Evan Mobley who many believe had an argument for an All-Defensive team. A wing would be a better bet for the Warriors if they want an immediate contribution.

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