The Golden State Warriors are currently at the NBA peak after securing yet another NBA championship. This title seemed to feel extra special for the Warriors as it solidified their rank on the all-time great dynasties and further improved the impressive legacy of Stephen Curry, the first-time Finals MVP.
While the players will certainly be enjoying the victory, the Golden State front office must begin preparing for next season. The NBA Draft is just under a week away and the franchise holds three picks. Their sole first-round pick will be 28th overall. They also have the 51st and 55th picks.
Here are the three best options the Warriors should be targeting with their first-round pick as they hope to repeat.
3 best options for Warriors with No. 28 pick in 2022 NBA Draft after winning title
Jake LaRavia – Forward, Wake Forest
A high-IQ player who can do a little bit of everything, Jake LaRavia is an intriguing prospect. The 20-year-old spent two seasons at Indian State before transferring to Wake Forst last season. LaRavia averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game this season. He is active on both sides of the ball and also connected on 38.4 percent of his three-point attempts.
The biggest concern with his game is on the defensive end. LaRavia has good hands but lacks the foot speed to keep up with most NBA athletes. He is not a high-usage player and is content to make the most of limited touches as a floor spacer. The Wake Forest product is a late bloomer with the instincts and smarts to make him worth a selection. His 6-foot-8 size makes him an interesting positional fit, but he is sure to contribute to some extent. The Warriors would know how to make the most of his skills.
Blake Wesley – Guard/Wing, Notre Dame
There is a lot to like about Blake Wesley, an NBA-ready athlete with a developing game. He has gotten the short end of the stick considering this is a draft class loaded with impressive wings. In another year he may be considered a mid-first-round draft darling. However, it gives Golden State a chance to capitalize on him with a late pick this year.
Wesley averaged 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in his lone season at Notre Dame. The 6-foot-5 standout is capable as a ball-handler and has the potential to grow into a lead guard. His best asset is still scoring the basketball. He has an elite first step and an intriguing isolation package. The Notre Dame guard plays with fiery competitiveness and also has a nearly seven-foot wingspan.
The 19-year-old was not regarded as a major recruit and has been a pleasant surprise this season. He needs to improve on his shooting efficiency as he shot just 40.4 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 65.7 percent at the free-throw line. There will be some growing pains with Wesley, but giving him time to develop and fully unlock his potential could pay off in a major way in the long haul.
MarJon Beauchamp – Wing, G-League Ignite
Despite being pegged as a late lottery pick for much of the predraft process, MarJon Beauchamp's stock appears to be falling. The 21-year-old is not as far in the developmental process as one would hope for a player his age and there is great concern with the shooting. While there is nothing mechanically wrong with Beauhamp's jump shot, he was just a 27.3 percent three-point shooter in his time with Ignite.
The shooting concerns are legitimate but it overshadows a lot of what Beauchamp does well. He is an elite defender who can swallow up an opponent on this side of the ball. The G-League product is also an effective transition player and cuts well off the ball. He has confidence on the offensive side of the ball and finds ways to make a positive impact even with the shooting struggles. This is just the type of player that could fit in as a role player for the Warriors.
Beauchamp has had a unique journey that included a stop at Yakima Valley College to play some JUCO ball. The limited time against legitimate competition gives him hope he can continue to grow his game. There is talk of him slipping into the second round, but the Warriors should not hesitate to take him at the 28th selection if he remains on the board.
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