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The Golden State Warriors had a tough 2020-21 season as they failed to punch a last-gasp ticket to the playoffs with a 39-33 record. The Dubs are expected to bounce back next season with the looming return of All-Star guard Klay Thompson who has started to recover from his major injuries.
That said, the ongoing offseason is certainly pivotal for the Warriors' hopes of becoming a strong title contender with the leadership of main man Stephen Curry in 2021-22. One of the team's biggest needs that they should address is to have a reliable forward who can provide a lift for the team and complement the scoring of Curry and Thompson on most nights.
Though trade rumors are already circling Golden State's 14th overall pick heading to the 2021 NBA Draft, the team can definitely snag a promising talent if they decide to hold onto the lottery asset.
Here are two best prospects that the Warriors can consider with their 14th pick in the upcoming proceedings:
1. Corey Kispert
The Warriors already have a great 1-2 scoring punch in Curry and Thompson who can both light it up from beyond the arc on any given night. However, they still lack shooting in the forward spots as Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Kelly Oubre Jr. have yet to find consistency in hitting their shots from the field.
Enter Corey Kispert who previously concluded a four-year stint with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He came into form during his senior season in 2020-21 as he tallied career-best averages of 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 32 games played.
Though he isn't the most athletic player on the floor, Kispert's shooting touch is definitely an asset that can benefit any team in the league. In his senior year, he was efficient with his attempts as he shot a career-high 52.9% from the field and 44.0% from beyond the arc.
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With a 6-foot-7 frame, Kispert has good size to match up with the other forwards in the league. Having completed a four-year amateur career means that he is a bit older than his peers at 22 years old heading into the draft. However, the valuable experience that he gained from the amateur ranks will definitely become useful as the Warriors do need players who can make an immediate impact on the floor.
2. Josh Giddey
Offering more versatility than Kispert, Josh Giddey is another prospect that the Warriors can consider on draft night, and landing him with the 14th pick would definitely be a steal. He may have taken a different route from his peers like LaMelo Ball but his decision to do so definitely improved his playing style as he competed against grown men in Australia's National Basketball League.
Having suited up for the Adelaide 36ers, Giddey averaged 10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 7.6 assists in 28 appearances. His impressive showing as an 18-year-old in the Australian pro league was enough for him to earn the NBL Rookie of the Year honors in 2021.
With a 6-foot-8 frame, Giddey already has adequate size and length to match up against opposing wingmen. He still has to gain more weight and get stronger but there is no doubt that he can already play multiple positions on the floor, especially in a small-ball lineup that the Warriors often utilize.
Aside from his versatility, Giddey's playmaking skills should also be highlighted as he can help facilitate on the floor and give open looks to his teammates, especially to Curry and Thompson. Playing at a young age, Josh Giddey already offers a ton of promise and his ability to translate his style of play to the NBA would greatly benefit the Warriors in their bid of becoming a contender once again moving forward.
