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Golden state warriors: best/worst draft scenarios

Best/Worst Draft Scenarios

(#30 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF/C Rakeem Christmas (Syracuse, Senior)

I’m higher on Christmas than most, as he’s generally pegged as a late first-rounder or early-second rounder, but I think that the Warriors would get excellent value for him here with the last pick in the first round. His averages in the tough ACC were astounding: 17.5 points, 9 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1 steal per game on an efficient 55.2% shooting, while not having any major issues at the line (71.2%). Christmas boasts elite length (7’3” wingspan) and athleticism, which help him in becoming an outstanding defender, being very quick off his feet to contest shots. However, he does struggle with stronger centers in the post and will need to transition from the zone defense he played at Syracuse to the man-to-man defense in the NBA, but both of those are addressable issues, the former with bulking up and the latter simply with experience. He also puts his length and athleticism to use in rebounding, though that’s also a double-edged sword: there is potential for him to be great at grabbing boards, but both the effort and timing of his jumps are questionable, yet those issues can also be overcame. The lack of effort in his rebounds are also reflected in his motor, which he lacks, but that can be offset by his mobility and speed for his position. Still, if he wants to make these physical gifts a plus rather than to just offset a negative, he will need to fully commit himself and play 110% at all times. His offensive game, the jump-shot in particular, needs work, but he has steadily improved and features an incomplete yet rapidly growing post game. Above all, he’s 23 years old, making his upside and ability to develop that much smaller, as he’s a few years older than most other prospects. Still, he’s that much more of a complete player, or at the very least his issues are fixable, as the natural gifts (wingspan, athleticism) are all there. For a Warriors team fresh off the title that could still use an extra big body down low that can contribute right away, Christmas is the optimal fit.

Worst Case Scenario: None, Christmas will be available

It’s really just as simple as that. The Warriors will (or at least should) be targeting Christmas, and they will get him. It’s extremely unlikely that Christmas gets taken before #30, as most teams this late will go for long-term potential over the ability to contribute right away. Not the end of the world if he somehow isn’t available, but I’d say there’s at least a 75% chance that he is. End of story.

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