Early look at 2020 NBA Draft options, likeliest outcome for Golden State Warriors

Option 1: Keep a high draft pick and take the best player available

The typical scenario. Tank for this season and hope to hit a home run at the top of the draft with a franchise talent that can slowly start to take the mantle from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the coming years. Seems easy enough and I have heard comparisons to the 1997 San Antonio Spurs, which I really do like, save for one issue.

This year’s draft has plenty of talent, as they all do, but far from even a consensus top prospect, much less a ready-made sure thing like Tim Duncan was coming out of Wake Forest.

Additionally, let’s keep in mind that whoever the pick is, he will need to be able to fit seamlessly next to the current core for the remainder of their primes.

This makes a player like Cole Anthony of North Carolina a less feasible selection. Memphis’ James Wiseman could be in play, as Draymond Green’s defensive capabilities continue to fade, yet Wiseman lacks the desired offensive skillset of a modern-day franchise big.

Lamelo Ball’s size and versatility will make you wonder, but he simply is not a stylistic fit with what this franchise is built on.

If they’re in position, I would imagine them giving Anthony Edwards from Georgia the strongest look of the potential top picks.

I consider Edwards the most gifted prospect in this year’s draft and taking him would attempt to address the biggest offensive weakness the Golden State Warriors had before acquiring Kevin Durant: force. This is the downhill option that can score over the top against physical teams, something that has never been among Steph’s greatest strengths.

Edwards has dealt with questions on his tenacity at times, so going to a team with such a strong culture and surrounding All-Star talent may suit his personality better than having to carry the burden as a savior for another franchise.