Warriors draft look: Power forwards

Share

Programing note: Tune in to the Chronicle Live Warriors Draft Special tonight at 5 and 11 p.m. on Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area!

The Warriors headinto Thursdays NBA draft with four selections: The No. 7 pick, the No. 30pick, the No. 35 pick and the No. 52 pick. While the Warriors would seem tohave four positions pretty much setpoint guard, shooting guard, powerforward and centerthe reality is that they could go in any direction comedraft day.

VIDEO: Steinmetz and Jean make their Warriors draft predictions

Leading up toThursday, well rank the top players at each position, and see whether or notthey could fit into the Warriors draft plans.POWERFORWARDS
Anthony Davis,Kentucky, 6-10, 220 pounds: There is no doubt Davis will be the No. 1selection by the New Orleans Hornets. What there is doubt about is how goodDavis will be. Most NBA executives think Davis will be an elite defenderatthe very least.And if he comesaround at the offensive end, watch out.Warriorsangle: The only angle with Davis as it pertains to the Warriors isthis: If he turns into the player many expect him to become, well, then, theNew Orleans Hornets just leap-frogged the Warriors in the standings.ThomasRobinson, Kansas, 6-9, 240 pounds: He is a prototype power forwardand he plays with tons of energy. The knock on Robinson is he might be a touchundersized for power forward, but he makes up for that with a 7-foot-3 wingspanand a perpetual motor.Robinson is going tobe good, just a matter of how good.Warriorsangle: In a perfect world (well a world less perfect than if theWarriors could acquire Davis), the Warriors would find a way to move up and getRobinson.Early in his career,Robinson would be the perfect complement to David Lee and Andrew Bogutahighly energetic, highly athletic player to come off the bench. Then, down theroad if Robinson turns into something, youll have Lee and his expiringcontract to work with.But the reality ismoving up to No. 2, which is where youd have to move to ensure gettingRobinson, is quite a jump and will come at a cost.<b>RELATED: Steinmetz's NBA Draft scouting report for Robinson<b>
TerrenceJones, Kentucky, 6-9, 250 pounds: Jones stock has seemed to slip inrecent weeks and the reason is because there are concerns about whether he hasan NBA niche. Hes not a true power forward and doesnt have the skill set toplay much small forward.Warriorsangle: It wasnt long ago that the Warriors were looking at Jones atNo. 7, but as the draft approaches that may be too high of a spot to takehim.The concern is thatJones could be a classic tweener, and thats something the Warriors arentreally interested in. If the Warriors pull the string on Jones at No. 7, itwould have to be considered a surprise at this point.John Henson,North Carolina, 6-11, 220 pounds: When it comes to Henson, there isgood: length, athleticism and the ability to block shots. But theres also thebad: questions about inner fire and his lack of strength.Warriorsangle: Henson is not in play for the Warriors unless they end upmoving backsay into the mid-teen area. There are just too many unknowns totake him at No. 7.JaredSullinger, Ohio State, 6-9, 280 pounds: Before he was red-flagged fora back issue, Sullinger was considered one of the most coveted big players inthe draft.What he lacks inathleticism, he makes up for in court savvy and the ability to pass the ball.Hes a solid rebounder and would seem to have an ability to play bothfrontcourt spots under certain circumstances.Warriorsangle: Sullinger was someone the Warriors were very much consideringbefore his back became an issue. Its obvious now the Warriors will not takehim at No. 7. However, if his fall is drastic and Sullinger is still there atNo. 30, the Warriors would likely take a stab at him. But he doesnt figure tofall that much.

Contact Us