Now that the Warriors have missed the 2024 NBA Playoffs, it's time to turn to Dub Nation.
Golden State will have another shot at gold in the 2024 NBA Draft after drafting Brandin Podzemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis in the first and second rounds, respectively, last year.
And of course, NBA experts and pundits are already weighing in on who the Warriors will select in the second round on June 27th. Using Tankasson to simulate a mock draft order, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman predicted who Golden State would select with the 52nd pick. Overall in the second round.
No. 52 (Warriors) – Tristen Newton, PG, Connecticut
“Even with Tristen Newton's athletic limitations and deficiencies related to his shooting, his versatility and winning percentage will likely earn him a two-way contract offer.
The Most Valuable Player of the Final Four was a driving force for Connecticut in the win over Purdue, finishing with 20 points, seven assists, five boards and zero turnovers.
He ultimately showed off enough shot-making, passing, and tough finishing for teams to take a chance on older players who might not pass the eye test. ” – Wasserman
The Warriors will likely only have one pick in the second round of the 2024 draft unless their first-round pick falls into the top four. That limits the ability to draft starting pitchers, but it's clear Wasserman believes Newton's versatility should set him apart from other available second-rounders.
If Newton finds his way to the Bay and signs a two-way contract like Wasserman suggested, the 6-foot-5 point guard will look to past Warriors players like Lester Quinones for inspiration. All you have to do is look at it. Quinones started last season as a two-way player for the Warriors, but worked his way up to a standard NBA contract by the second half.
Newton was a major contributor to the Huskies' second consecutive NCAA Championship, averaging 15 points, six assists, and six rebounds over the season, scoring a team-high 20 points and helping them win the college title.
It remains to be seen what the Warriors will do in the next draft. However, increasing the depth at the guard position definitely can't hurt.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast
