A reluctance to trade first-round picks has made the NBA draft even more important to the Golden State Warriors, and they're already keeping an eye on one overseas prospect set for the 2027 class.
Dash Daniels -- brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson -- is about to start his second season in Australia's NBL, with the Warriors reportedly in attendance for the NBL Blitz this week.
Warriors already showing interest in 2027 prospect Dash Daniels
According to ESPN's Olgun Uluc, Golden State will be one of six NBA teams with representatives in attendance. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are also watching over Daniels who's made the switch from Melbourne United to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Daniels had 11 points, seven rebounds and a steal during a 17-point victory over the Sydney Kings in the opening game, showing promising signs and improved production from what he delivered with United last season.
Multiple NBA teams have representatives in Bendigo for the 2026 NBL Blitz to watch 2027 draft prospect Dash Daniels. I’m told the OKC Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Houston Rockets are here; the Miami Heat will arrive later in the week.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) September 2, 2026
Having initially been seen as a potential first-round pick this year, Daniels averaged only 4.2 and 2.3 rebounds on 42% shooting from the floor and 37.5% from 3-point range in 14.2 minutes during his first year in the league.
The 18-year-old subsequently chose to remain in the NBL and continue his development rather than declare for the draft, and now he'll be hoping to improve his stock in the hopes of being selected next year.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo currently has Daniels projected as the 40th best prospect in next year's draft class, while Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman notes the 6'5" guard still needs to develop his shooting and/or shot creation.
Warriors could wind up with another lottery pick next year
The importance of the draft is obvious for the Warriors entering this season. After failing to make any big moves via trade or in free agency, there's significant expectation surrounding 11th overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg who only raised optimism by leading Golden State to the Summer League championship while also winning MVP.
With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody remaining sidelined by injury to open the season, the Warriors are again viewed as a likely Play-In Tournament team and could subsequently wind up with another lottery pick next year.
That suggests the importance of scouting and analysis couldn't be greater as the Warriors look at the post Stephen Curry future, particularly given they're still trying to recover from missing on three lottery picks half a decade ago.
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