The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90, capping off a six-game series that saw the Dubs capture their fourth championship in the last eight years. Golden State was comprised of largely the same cast of characters, with sharpshooter Stephen Curry, three-point ace Klay Thompson and defensive-minded Draymond Green.
However, this run to the NBA Finals also featured contributions from newer members of the Warriors, such as veteran forward Andrew Wiggins and sixth man Jordan Poole. It's remarkable how quickly Golden State, who missed the postseason with 50 losses in 2019, then suffered an early exit the following year in the Play-In Tournament, was able to rebound.
Not only did they make it back to the playoffs, but they did so in resounding fashion, announcing that the dynasty is still very much alive. One of the ways the Warriors were able to jump back into contention so fast was through their infusion of new talent, in both free agency and the NBA Draft.
With the 2022 draft fast approaching, the Dubs will have a chance to do it again. Armed with the no. 28 pick in the first round, the Warriors will have an opportunity to add to the collection of youth they already possess.
But what needs must the Warriors fill? 2020 first round pick James Wiseman didn't suit up for the team this year, though the Dubs are hopeful that he'll be available for Summer League play after dealing with a bothersome knee injury. Could center be a position the Warriors attack in the 2022 NBA Draft?
What about the depth behind Curry? While the Warriors proved they are the best team in the NBA this year, it doesn't mean that they're without question marks.
That said, here are three of the Warriors' biggest needs in the NBA Draft.
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Warriors' 3 Biggest Needs Entering 2022 NBA Draft
3. Interior rim protector
In a perfect world, James Wiseman would fill this role. However, Wiseman wasn't exactly the most reliable option this year, as he failed to log a single minute of action on the court in his second season.
While the Memphis product seems to be on the right track towards getting himself healthy, the Dubs cannot ignore the concerning trend that is already developing for the 21-year-old.
This year was a lost season. In 2020-21, Wiseman appeared in 39 of 72 games. Plus, the Warriors' starting center from this season, Kevon Looney, is an unrestricted free agent. The Dubs seem to like Looney, though there's no guarantee that he'll be back in 2022.
Article Continues BelowIf Golden State is seeking an upgrade at the five spot- and they don' trust Wiseman- they should look to the NBA Draft rather than swinging a trade for a veteran. This year's class sports some talented, athletic rim protectors who could make a difference off the bench for the Warriors immediately.
2. Wing depth
Andre Iguodala is a free agent. Otto Porter Jr. is a free agent. Gary Payton II is also set to hit the open market this offseason. None of these players are huge names for the Warriors. However, they each helped to fill important roles off the bench, giving the Warriors' impressive depth on the wing, along with Wiggins and Thompson.
The Warriors must account for possibly losing some of these players this offseason, though. That would leave the depth chart awfully thin behind Thompson, who played 32 regular season games and then a full postseason after returning from ACL and Achilles injuries, and Wiggins.
Golden State needs to restock the depth chart on the wing, as one can never have too many forwards, especially in today's NBA. With names like Wendell Moore Jr. and Jake Larivia likely to be available at pick no. 28, the Warriors have the chance to add players who can knock the three ball down and play good perimeter defense.
1. Backup point guard
This is perhaps the biggest need on the roster. Poole is currently listed as the backup point behind Curry, though he is naturally more of a shooting guard by play style. The other guard, Damion Lee, is a free agent and may not be back next year. That's a problem.
Curry, 34, isn't getting any younger- and he hasn't exactly had a clean bill of health throughout his career, having never played a full slate of games. Look, Curry is one of the five best players in the NBA right now when healthy and is showing zero signs of slowing down.
However, the Dubs would like to keep it that way. They need to look for a backup point guard in the draft, one who can spell Curry throughout the games and handle the ball off the bench.
As a shooter, Curry figures to age gracefully. However, the Dubs can help him by selecting a reliable backup in the 2022 NBA Draft.