The Golden State Warriors know that the 2020 NBA Draft may not necessarily net them the young player they need. They are believed to be exploring options, skimming other candidates in the event Anthony Edwards is selected first by the Minnesota Timberwolves who will be picking first. But it appears they have their eyes on someone not among the top three names of the class.
The top three names are Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman. Of the three, Wiseman makes sense since the Dubs need a big man. However, scouting reports reveal that there is a lot of work to be done on the 7-foot-1 center – something the Dubs may not be willing to invest in.
As far as Edwards, the Warriors are picking him only because he is the best talent seen in the 2020 NBA Draft Class. But realistically, he could struggle to make it to the starting roster with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson being the regular ones.
Hence, the only logical way for Steve Kerr and company is to skim the other draft hopefuls. And it appears they have found the one that could make sense in Israeli teenager Dani Avdija. According to The Athletic, the Warriors were pretty impressed with the Maccabi Tel Aviv star during a workout in Atlanta. But they got even more impressed when they sat down and talked with him.
If Avdija is the choice of the Warriors, they could flip the script for the coming 2020 NBA Draft. Other teams have their eyes on Edwards and Ball. So to make something out of their right for the second overall pick, trading places plus perhaps other assets could work to the Dubs’ advantage.
One team that makes sense is the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have their eye on Edwards so plans to move up are said to be in the works. At the second spot, the Bulls could get either Edwards or Ball, depending on who the Timberwolves select. But the word out is that Minnesota has its eyes on Ball.
Of course, that comes with risks. There is no telling who the Charlotte Hornets (third selection) will take in. Assuming that Edwards, Ball and Wiseman go as anticipated, Avdija would be theirs to snag. But if the Hornets have a change of heart and take the Israeli, the Dubs would end up settling for Wiseman.
To put those complications to rest, the Dubs could pick Avdija with the second overall pick. But the chance to cash in and get more assets will be tempting for the Warrior who want to bounce back hard this 2020-21 season.
