The NBA is often described as a copycat league, with the champion setting an example for the other 29 teams, and with the most recent champions, the Boston Celtics, emphasizing defense and the three-point shot, the blueprint is set.
Many teams, like the Warriors, were already on that route.
“We have to improve in a lot of areas, but the one that's immediately visible is our improvement on defense,” general manager Mike Dunleavy said at the end of the 2023-24 regular season. “With this organization, with this team, it's been primarily because of our defense that we were able to perform really well and win championships, and then we had some great, exciting offensive moments that everyone remembers.”
“And from there, Steph [Curry] Draymond [Green] Clay [Thompson]As guys get older, shooting becomes more important. Shooting is important in this league. Having guys around them that can shoot is important, so I think it's always important to address that aspect.”
The Warriors could address that need with next Wednesday's 2024 NBA Draft. They don't have a first-round pick and are sitting at No. 52 in the second round. Can they find a shooter that late?
yes.
Of the top 30 active players in 3-point shooting percentage, 10 were drafted in the second round or not drafted at all, with the highest being undrafted Seth Curry (43.1, third overall) and the lowest being Monte Morris (30th, 39.1), who was picked 51st overall in 2017.
In between them are Sam Hauser (42.5), Duncan Robinson (39.8), Georges Niang (39.2) and Isaiah Joe (39.7), none of whom were drafted.
The three-point shooting revolution has made shooting a priority from adolescence to high school and college. Thanks to the success of Stephen Curry, the revolutionary player of the Warriors, shooting has also become popular among amateurs.
There are at least 30 players worth considering, but here are five that could be available at No. 52.
The 6-foot-7, 220-pound small forward with a 6-foot-10 wingspan has the size and 3-point and defensive ability to play in the NBA. He excels off the ball and should easily fit in Golden State. He shot 41.2 percent from 3-point range last season with the Bears, showcasing his elite 3-point shooting for the first time. A third-team All-Big 12 selection as a senior, he turned 23 last month and should be able to contribute as a rookie. Bridges worked out with the Warriors last month.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound wing started all 36 games for the Wildcats, averaging 12.8 points per game while shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from 3-point range. He's a skilled passer but also excels at off-the-ball, passing off screens and creating catch-and-shoot opportunities. The 23-year-old has 136 games of experience with Utah and Arizona. The Warriors value players who can contribute immediately, so it was no surprise to see him being deployed a few weeks ago.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound shooting guard excels at three-pointers. The Wildcats are a team full of talented players as usual, but as a senior, he started in 33 games and averaged 20.2 points, shooting 51.2% from the field, including 44.7% from three-point range. Some teams are wary of his age, as he turns 24 in November. The Warriors' schedule is not an issue. They view his experience, like that of Trayce Jackson-Davis last summer, as a plus. He participated in practice before Memorial Day.
Another “old guy.” Already 24 years old, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound combo guard attended three different colleges, the last of which was the University of Connecticut, where he took over the starting spot vacated last summer when Jordan Hawkins left for the NBA. The Huskies won again, and Spencer started all 40 games, averaging 14.3 points (second on the team) and shooting 48.4% from the field and 44.0% from 3-point range. He also led the team in steals. He has yet to practice with Golden State.
The 6-foot-7, 205-pound wing, who is 20 years old (turns 21 in August) and has played just one season of Division I basketball after two at Division II Sonoma State, considered staying with the team but ultimately opted to stay for the draft. He averaged 12.6 points and shot 41.7 percent from 3-point range thanks to solid off-ball movement, good shooting mechanics and a quick release. Those traits were enough for the Warriors to invite him for a closer look last week.
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