Hoops Habit
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: 5 Options In The 2015 NBA Draft

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 14, 2015; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; UNLV Rebels forward Christian Wood (5) reacts during the second half against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena. The Falcons won 76-75. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2015; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; UNLV Rebels forward Christian Wood (5) reacts during the second half against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena. The Falcons won 76-75. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Golden State Warriors
Jan 11, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) shoots the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chris McCullough

When it comes to upside picks, however, nobody in the Warriors’ draft range would top Chris McCullough. A 6’9″ power forward from Syracuse, McCullough’s season was ended in January after he tore his ACL. His decision to enter the draft this year was a controversial one after sustaining that injury, but it could also make this lottery-level talent available at the end of the first round.

McCullough only averaged 9.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in his freshman season for the Orange, but he also chipped in 2.1 blocks per game and showed more than enough potential in transition to warrant the Warriors’ interest. McCullough would be a terrific fit in Golden State’s up-tempo playing style since he loves to get out in transition and throw down high-flying alley-oops on the break.

At 20 years old, he also wouldn’t need to contribute right away and could take his time getting his knee right and developing into a more long-term replacement for David Lee. McCullough doesn’t have three-point range, but he could spread the floor with a decent midrange shot and if he gets stronger and plays with just a little more energy, he’d be a potential first round steal down the road. If the Warriors want upside and long-term security with their depth, they’ll be hooping McCullough is still on the board.

Next: Are The 2014-15 Golden State Warriors An All-Time Great Team?

More from Hoops Habit

Home/Golden State Warriors