Warriors Draft: Wake Forest’s Jake LaRavia has the skillset to thrive
The Golden State Warriors are busy celebrating their 4th championship in 8 years; however, the NBA draft is fast approaching this Thursday.
There is always room for improvement, especially in the pipeline as the Big 3 age deeper into their 30s, and the 28th pick has some provided good value for the Dubs. Jordan Poole was the 28th pick back in the 2019 draft and has been a major success story.
The Golden State Warriors will enter Thursday’s draft with the 28th-overall pick, and Wake Forest standout Jake LaRavia could make sense with the pick.
This 2022 class has been looked at as a “top-3” draft, but I think there are some great prospects projected in the late first round. One for the Warriors to keep their eye on is Jake LaRavia out of Wake Forest.
LaRavia is a 6-foot-9 forward from Indianapolis who played one year at Wake Forest and two seasons at Indiana State. The reason he intrigues me as a prospect for Golden State is the skill set that the Warriors have sought after aligns with what LaRavia could provide.
He has a smooth stroke and can really stretch the floor. During his first year for the Demon Deacons, he shot 40% from three, and this last season shot 38.4% from behind the arch, doubling his production though as he notched 0.8 triples per game.
With the uncertainty around resigning Bjelicia, Otto Porter, or Andre Iguodala, there is certainly a need for some frontcourt depth. Why not take a guy who has great size, can stretch the floor, and good skill for a big man.
Not to mention, LaVaria has good instincts defensively. The potential is there for him on that side of the court, especially with Green and Andrew Wiggins there to coach him up. We’ve seen the Warriors aim for these more-developed players before.
Jake LaRavia made 38% 3PT% + 78% FT% last season, brings a strong feel for the game + has intriguing playmaking ability defensively. The fact that he's only 20-years-old gives him some additional upside he can still tap into, according to @DraftExpress >> https://t.co/0l2AFH9oeR pic.twitter.com/otQNhKExHs
— DraftExpressContent (@DXContent) June 15, 2022
LaRavia is a safer pick than most and should be a long-term option for the Warriors at the backup four. The ceiling certainly isn’t there for LaRavia like it was with Poole, but if he can continue his shooting, the floor is also reasonably high for him.
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Stay tuned for more draft content this week as I take a look at different prospects the Warriors may look at! For more Warriors-related content follow me on Twitter! Or, check out all our amazing writers at Blue Man Hoop.