Editor's note: As the Warriors prepare for the 2020 NBA draft, during which they will have a lottery pick for the first time since 2012, NBC Sports Bay Area will present a twice-weekly series spotlighting two players expected to be evaluated. This is the 10th of a 12-part series over the next six weeks.
As the Warriors continue to prepare for the most unusual draft in NBA history, they are looking at all options with their top pick. But if they decide to trade back to later in the first round, Duke big man Vernon Carey Jr. could be a steal.
Carey Jr., the son of former Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey, is a throwback post threat. In 31 games, he averaged 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, helping the Blue Devils to a regular-season ACC title. By the end of the season, he earned Wins USBWA Freshman of the Year Award. Against UC Berkeley, he finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds in an 87–52 win.
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Before Duke, he starred at University School of Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., averaging 26.0 points and 10.1 rebounds as a junior, leading the Sharks to the Florida 5A state championship.
Carey comes from an athletic family. His father played seven seasons for the Miami Dolphins and was a four-year starter at the University of Miami, winning a national championship in 2001. Carey Jr. was born during his father's redshirt freshman season.
Entering the draft, Carey Jr. is among the classes' best post presences. Warriors general manager Bob Myers, coach Steve Kerr and team chairman Joe Lacob saw him play in person when the Blue Devils played Michigan State in December -- the night Draymond Green got his jersey retired. Carey flourished in the matchup, finishing with 26 points and 11 rebounds in an 87–75 win.
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Golden State Warriors
At 6-foot-10, Carey is a nimble, skilled big that can hit an occasional jump shot. He runs the court in transition and can effectively rebound. Among his NBA player comparisons is former 76ers forward Derrick Coleman.
However, his defense is much maligned. While a capable rim protector, his limited mobility hinders his effectiveness when switched onto smaller guards. He'll likely play power forward at the next level, meaning he'll be matched up against much quicker players at his position.
Additionally, his poor free-throw shooting would draw the ire of Golden State's coaching staff. His fluctuating weight also is a concern and he'll need a strict diet to succeed in the professional ranks.
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Despite his success at Duke, he isn't high on most draft boards. NBC Sports California's James Ham has the big man going 24th to the Jazz.
The Warriors, likely picking in the top three, would need to trade down to get Carey, which would seem like a stretch. Nonetheless, Carey could be found money for a team picking late in the first round.
Vernon Carey Jr. profile
Position: Power Forward
Class: Freshman
Birthdate: February 25, 2001 (19 years old)
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2019-20 season averages: 17.8 points (57.7 percent FG, 38.1 percent 3-point, 67.0 percent FT), 8.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.6 blocks.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 270
Wingspan: 7 feet
What they’re saying: "He had an incredible year, being named one of our team's Most Valuable Players, the National Freshman of the Year and a consensus All-American. I'm am so proud to have had the opportunity to coach such a tremendous young man. He came every day looking to get better, and I know the best is yet to come for him." - Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski