It sure seems like the Golden State Warriors think they've found another gem late in the NBA draft.
After sending No. 51 and $2 million in cash to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night for the 44th pick, Golden State selected Toledo guard Ryan Rollins.
The Warriors sent No. 51 and $2M to Hawks for Ryan Rollins at No. 44, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/vnvX6pXBIw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2022
Rollins stuffed the stat sheet with 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game at Toledo last season, earning First Team All-MAC honors. A gifted scorer with a herky-jerky dribble game, he shot just 31.1% from three as a sophomore, evidence of a long-range jumper that needs some work. He's not an especially explosive athlete, but Rollins' 6'10” wingspan helps him compensate defensively for an otherwise average physical profile.
The Warriors probably don't have the need for another score-first combo guard next season. The vast majority of second-rounders don't get off the bench as rookies, let alone ones playing for the reigning champions. What should make Dub Nation nearly as excited about Rollins' promising upside—The Athletic draft guru Sam Vecenie notes he was a late-bloomer in high school—right now is that his acquisition is further evidence of Joe Lacob's willingness to spend.
The Warriors won their fourth title in eight years literally one week ago with a league-record $350 million payroll. Billionaire owners balk at additional spending all the time; there's a reason the Hawks took Golden State's cash. It would be understandable if Lacob vetoed this deal, basically, especially with an ultra-expensive free agency on the horizon.
But winning, as ever, is what takes precedence for the Warriors. We'll see wheh Rollins can contribute to their success.
Follow Us
Subscribe