NBA Draft 2019: Warriors' three biggest needs with two picks this year

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The Golden State Warriors' season ended less than a week ago, but the quest to improve has just begun. 

The first order of business is selecting a prospect in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Warriors -- who currently have two picks in Thursday's draft -- are entering the night in unique peril. 

Their top two free agents -- Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant -- are expected to be out for the majority of next season, heightening the need for a rookie to make an impression right away. 

For now, here are Golden State's biggest needs entering the draft. 

Scoring 

Even if the Warriors re-sign Durant and Thompson this summer when NBA free agency begins June 30, shooting will be at a premium next season. Last season, aside from Thompson, Durant, Stephen Curry and DeMarcus Cousins, no other Warrior averaged double figures in scoring. 

In recent drafts, Warriors general manager Bob Myers has opted to prioritize defense over scoring, including Patrick McCaw in 2016 and Jacob Evans in last year's draft. Last season, the defensive-minded Evans struggled from the field as he reworked his shooting form, making just 34 percent of his shots. 

Initial reports peg Thompson out at least until March and Durant for the rest of the season, taking away 47 points per game from Golden State's offense. With that in mind, a reliable shooter should be a focus in this draft.   

Big man

With DeMarcus Cousins not expected back next season and Andrew Bogut returning to Australia, the Warriors should be in the market for a starting center. 

A year ago, the Warriors looked toward young bigs Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney and Damian Jones to compete for the starting role until Cousins recovered from a torn Achilles. While Jones won the starting role out of training camp, a torn pectoral muscle ended his regular season, forcing Bell and Looney to alternate the role. 

This summer, Looney -- Golden State's most reliable postseason big -- will enter free agency for the second consecutive season. Meanwhile, there's a chance Bell won't be back if the Warriors don't exercise his $1.8 million qualifying offer. With that in mind, a front-court addition could be welcomed.

A player who can contribute right away

Last season, Myers selected Evans with the hope that the former Cincinnati guard instantly could contribute. That didn't happen, as Evans averaged just 1.3 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game last season, as he struggled through injuries and a full reconstruction of his jump shot. 

As Evans struggled, undrafted forward Alfonzo McKinnie, Quinn Cook and Shaun Livingston got the bulk of his minutes, leaving the rookie to go down to the G League for playing time. 

[RELATED: How Warriors should approach this year's draft]

While Evans remains in Golden State's plans, the Warriors will need a key contributor with Durant and Thompson out.

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