With only 15 days remaining before the NBA Draft, the Warriors are wading into the deep end of the pre-draft process, as it should be for a franchise holding two lottery picks.
They’ve conducted publicized workouts for more than two dozen players over the past five weeks, but Wednesday was the first time they brought in two players projected to be selected in the first round.
Neither Florida’s Tre Mann nor LSU’s Cameron Thomas is expected to go as high No. 7 or No. 14 overall, where the Warriors currently sit, but there’s a real possibility they’ll make a trade that sends them further back.
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Mann and Thomas both exited their closely scrutinized sessions at Chase Center brimming with confidence about their NBA prospects – and, specifically, the possibility of coming to the Warriors.
“I feel like my game fits into their offense, where you’re catching and shooting, setting screens, moving and just making plays with the ball in your hands,” said Mann, who declared for the draft after his sophomore year. “For sure, I see myself fitting. I’m able to knock down shots and create for my team, also.”
Often playing in a pick-and-roll offense, the 6-foot-5, 190-pound point guard – who can slide to shooting guard – averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals as a freshman. The Gainesville, Fla. native shot 45.9 percent from the field, including 40.2 percent from distance.
Mann, who turned 20 in February, admits that, like most youngsters with NBA dreams, he steals ideas and tactics from several pros, including Stephen Curry.
Golden State Warriors
“Growing up, it was Steph,” Mann said. “Steph Curry was early when I was younger; people used to tell me I played like him. As I grew and got older, I started picking more pieces from more players. Those are players like Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard, Trae Young.”
Like Mann, Thomas is expected to be taken mid-to-late first round.
Unlike Mann, Thomas doesn’t turn 20 until October and is perceived as a shooting guard – with deep range, regardless of conditions.
“Off the dribble, off the catch, people are really impressed with my range and how well I shoot the ball,” Thomas said. “The feedback that I’ve been getting is that I shoot the ball really well, and it’s different from my percentages.”
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In his lone season at LSU, Thomas averaged 23.0 points per game, torching Michigan for 30 in the NCAA Tournament loss that ended the Tigers’ season. Most believe he is a better shooter than 40.6 percent overall and 32.5 from deep. He shot 88.2 percent from the line, averaging nearly eight free throws per game.
The ability to get to the free throw line comes from the NBA players he studies most closely: James Harden, Devin Booker, and Kyrie Irving.
“They’re all bucket-getters,” Thomas said. “I gotta take from bucket-getters because that’s what I am.”
The Warriors on Thursday are scheduled to take a look at four players projected for the lottery, Baylor guard Davion Mitchell, Arkansas guard Moses Moody, Duke forward Jalen Johnson, and Texas big man Kai Jones.