Six guards Warriors could target in second round of 2020 draft
While all the focus is on the Warriors' No. 2 overall pick, James Ham looks at six players Bob Myers and Co. could take with one of their two second-round picks.
The clock is ticking. The NBA draft is just over a month away and while the focus is on who the Warriors will select with the No. 2 overall pick, they also have a pair of second-round selections to work with.
Unlike a lot of teams who routinely make the NBA playoffs, Golden State tends to value their second-round selections. They’ve dug deep and come up with players like Draymond Green, Eric Paschall and Alen Smailagić.
Not all second-rounders work out, especially when you are drafting at No. 48 and No. 51 like the Warriors this season. But Golden State, more than most other teams, will mine for talent with these selections, looking for a diamond in the rough.
Here is a look at six guards that could be available and might make sense for the Warriors with their mid-second round selections.
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Age: 20
Dotson is a winner and he’s proven he can run a team. He’s also an aggressive defender that can score in a variety of ways. There is a chance that Dotson is long gone before the Warriors select, but this draft is completely unpredictable.
If he’s still on the board at No. 48, the Warriors would have to take a long look, especially with his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Age: 22
There is value in experience. Winston produced during his four years at Michigan State and he brings a level of understanding that you can only get from playing games. He can really light it up from the outside, which is a prerequisite for any player being drafted by the Warriors. Over four years at Michigan State, he knocked down an impressive 43 percent from long range.
Winston is currently slated to go anywhere from 35th to 50th in the upcoming draft. His ability to shoot could earn him an opportunity in the league and his maturity level could help him step on the court earlier than some of the other prospects around his range.
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Age: 22
Flynn is a bit of a wild card. He started out his college career at Washington State, but made the move to the Aztecs to finish out his college career. He has a flair for the dramatic and a quick trigger from way outside. He’s a project, but he has solid two-way potential and at a minimum, he should be able to run a G League team while he undergoes further assessment.
There are rumors that Flynn could slide into the late first round, but there’s a good chance he slides deeper into the draft.
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 188 pounds
Age: 21
Quickley isn’t a point guard like the players listed before him, but he is an extremely effective two that could become a late-round steal. Kentucky players are often better in the NBA than they are at the collegiate level. Quickly might have a few more wrinkles to his game, but even if he doesn’t you have to love what he was able to accomplish with the Wildcats.
At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Quickley is a big-time defender who shot 42.8 percent from long range. What team isn’t looking for a 3-and-D wing? Quickley is projected to go anywhere from 35-50 in the second round.
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
Age: 23
If the Warriors are looking for some scoring punch, Riller is their man. The senior out of the College of Charleston averaged 21.9 points per game in each of the last two years. He is a three-level scorer with excellent handles and a quick first step. He’s more of a scorer than a pure shooter, but he still managed to shoot 36.2 percent from long range.
Riller can break down a defense, create off the dribble and get to the line at an extremely high click. Riller is projected to go in the mid-40s, but there is a chance he is still on the board when the Warriors select.
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Age: 21
Joe didn’t have the sophomore season he was shopping for, but there is still a lot to like from the Arkansas product. He can shoot from the outside, create space for himself and projects as a floor spacer at the NBA level. He has a 6-foot-10 wingspan and solid defensive instincts, making him another 3-and-D prospect for the Warriors to consider.
He’s projected to go anywhere from the mid-40s to the end of the second round and there is a solid shot he is on the board when the Warriors select.
