Warriors Draft 2020: Who Did Golden State Pick?

The Golden State Warriors entered the 2020 NBA Draft with high expectations and a lottery pick, aiming to add a key piece to their roster after an injury-riddled season. Coming off a rare down year, the Warriors held the number two overall pick, presenting them with a significant opportunity to acquire a potentially transformative player. Anticipation was high among fans and analysts alike, as the draft class was considered to be filled with promising talent. The Warriors' front office, led by general manager Bob Myers, meticulously evaluated prospects, considering various factors such as skill set, fit with the team's existing core, and long-term potential. The pressure was on to make the right decision, as the Warriors looked to quickly return to championship contention. After much deliberation and pre-draft workouts, the Warriors ultimately made their choice, selecting a player who they believed could contribute immediately and develop into a star. The pick was met with mixed reactions, as some applauded the selection while others questioned whether the Warriors had made the best possible choice. Only time would tell whether the Warriors' decision would pay off and help them reclaim their place atop the NBA landscape. The 2020 NBA Draft was also unique due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced teams to conduct virtual meetings and limit in-person evaluations. This added an extra layer of complexity to the draft process, as teams had to rely more heavily on film study and remote communication. Despite these challenges, the Warriors remained focused on identifying the player who they believed would be the best fit for their organization. The selection marked a pivotal moment for the Warriors franchise, as they sought to retool their roster and compete for championships once again. The player they drafted carried the weight of expectations, as fans hoped he would become a cornerstone of the team for years to come.

The Pick: James Wiseman

With the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors selected James Wiseman, a seven-foot-one center from the University of Memphis. Wiseman was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, known for his impressive size, athleticism, and potential as a rim protector and scorer. However, his college career was cut short due to eligibility issues, as he only played in three games for Memphis before being ruled ineligible by the NCAA. Despite the limited sample size, Wiseman's raw talent and upside were undeniable, and the Warriors saw him as a player who could develop into a dominant force in the NBA. The decision to draft Wiseman was not without its risks, as some questioned his lack of experience and the uncertainty surrounding his development. However, the Warriors were confident in their ability to coach and develop Wiseman, and they believed that his unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him the right choice for their team. Wiseman's arrival in Golden State was met with excitement, as fans eagerly anticipated seeing him team up with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Warriors envisioned Wiseman as a key piece of their frontcourt, someone who could provide rim protection, rebounding, and a scoring presence in the paint. However, Wiseman's early career was not without its challenges, as he struggled with injuries and consistency on the court. Despite these setbacks, the Warriors remained committed to his development, and they continued to believe in his long-term potential. Wiseman's journey with the Warriors has been a learning experience, and he has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could still become the player the Warriors envisioned when they drafted him. Only time will tell whether Wiseman will ultimately reach his full potential, but the Warriors remain hopeful that he will be a valuable contributor to their team for years to come. The pick was also influenced by the Warriors' need for a center, as they had lacked a true presence in the paint for several years. Wiseman's ability to run the floor, block shots, and finish around the rim made him an attractive option for the Warriors, who were looking to add a new dimension to their offense and defense. The Warriors also believed that Wiseman's work ethic and willingness to learn would allow him to quickly adapt to the NBA game and become a valuable contributor to their team.

Why Wiseman?

The Warriors' decision to draft James Wiseman was driven by a combination of factors, including his immense potential, the team's need for a center, and their belief in their ability to develop him into a star. Wiseman's physical attributes were a major draw for the Warriors, as his size, athleticism, and agility were rare for a player of his position. He possessed the ability to run the floor, jump out of the gym, and protect the rim, all of which were highly valued by the Warriors' coaching staff. In addition to his physical gifts, Wiseman also showed flashes of offensive potential, with a developing jump shot and the ability to finish around the basket. The Warriors believed that with the right coaching and development, Wiseman could become a dominant scorer and a major threat on both ends of the court. Another key factor in the Warriors' decision was their need for a center. They had lacked a true presence in the paint for several years, and they saw Wiseman as the answer to their problems. His ability to rebound, block shots, and alter opponents' shots made him an ideal fit for the Warriors' defensive scheme. Furthermore, his offensive skills would provide the Warriors with a new dimension to their attack, giving them a reliable scoring option in the paint. The Warriors were also confident in their ability to develop Wiseman into a star. They had a proven track record of developing young players, and they believed that their coaching staff could help Wiseman reach his full potential. They were particularly impressed with Wiseman's work ethic and willingness to learn, which they saw as essential qualities for a young player looking to improve. The Warriors also had a strong veteran presence on their team, with players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green providing leadership and mentorship to Wiseman. The combination of these factors made Wiseman the clear choice for the Warriors, and they were excited to add him to their roster. The pick was also seen as a long-term investment, as the Warriors believed that Wiseman had the potential to be a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. The Warriors were willing to be patient with Wiseman's development, knowing that it would take time for him to reach his full potential. However, they were confident that he would eventually become a star, and they were committed to providing him with the resources and support he needed to succeed.

Other Considerations

While James Wiseman was ultimately the pick, the Golden State Warriors also considered other prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft. Among the players they evaluated were Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and Deni Avdija. Anthony Edwards, a guard from the University of Georgia, was widely considered to be the top prospect in the draft. He possessed exceptional athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive potential. However, the Warriors ultimately decided that Wiseman's unique combination of size and skill made him a better fit for their team. LaMelo Ball, a point guard from the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian NBL, was another player who the Warriors considered. Ball was known for his exceptional passing skills, court vision, and flair for the game. However, the Warriors already had Stephen Curry as their point guard, and they did not see Ball as a good fit alongside him. Deni Avdija, a forward from Israel, was also on the Warriors' radar. Avdija was a versatile player who could handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and defend multiple positions. However, the Warriors ultimately decided that Wiseman's upside was too great to pass up. The Warriors' decision to draft Wiseman over these other prospects was not an easy one, as each player had their own unique strengths and weaknesses. However, the Warriors ultimately believed that Wiseman's potential was the highest, and they were willing to take the risk on him. The Warriors also considered trading the second overall pick, but they ultimately decided that they could not get enough value in return. Several teams expressed interest in trading for the pick, but the Warriors were not willing to part with it unless they received a package that included a proven star player. The Warriors also explored the possibility of trading down in the draft, but they were not able to find a team willing to offer them enough compensation. Ultimately, the Warriors decided that the best course of action was to keep the pick and select the player who they believed would be the best fit for their team. The decision to draft Wiseman was a calculated risk, but the Warriors were confident that it would pay off in the long run. They believed that Wiseman had the potential to become a star, and they were committed to helping him reach his full potential.

Wiseman's Impact and Future

James Wiseman's impact on the Golden State Warriors has been a mixed bag so far. He showed flashes of potential during his rookie season, averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. However, he also struggled with injuries and consistency, and he was eventually shut down for the season due to a meniscus tear. Wiseman's injury set back his development, and he missed the entire 2021-22 season. He returned to the court in the 2022-23 season, but he struggled to find his rhythm and was eventually traded to the Detroit Pistons. Wiseman's time with the Warriors was ultimately disappointing, as he did not live up to the expectations that were placed on him when he was drafted. However, he is still young and has the potential to improve, and he may eventually develop into the player that the Warriors hoped he would be. The Warriors' decision to draft Wiseman will be debated for years to come. Some will argue that they made a mistake by passing on other prospects, while others will argue that Wiseman was the right pick at the time. Ultimately, only time will tell whether the Warriors' decision was the right one. Wiseman's future in the NBA is uncertain. He will need to improve his consistency, his defense, and his overall understanding of the game. However, he has the potential to be a valuable player, and he may eventually find a team where he can thrive. The Warriors' experience with Wiseman serves as a reminder that drafting young players is always a gamble. There is no guarantee that a player will live up to their potential, and injuries and other setbacks can derail their development. However, the rewards of drafting a star player can be immense, and the Warriors were willing to take the risk on Wiseman. The Warriors' future is still bright, even without Wiseman. They have a core of talented players, and they are always looking for ways to improve their team. The Warriors will continue to be a force in the NBA for years to come, and they will continue to make bold decisions in the draft and in free agency.