The Warriors know what type of player they’re looking to pick Thursday.
Golden State has turned its attention to the draft after its attempt at a three-peat came up short when it fell to the Raptors in six games in the NBA Finals last week. General manager Bob Myers discussed the team’s strategy for the No. 28 selection when he met with reporters Wednesday.
“You want a guy you can project playing in the playoffs,” Myers said, via the Mercury News. “That’s what we’re all trying to do — win playoff games. Can you find a guy that has a skill? Can you find a guy that you believe has the potential to do it?”
Stars Kevin Durant (ruptured Achilles) and Klay Thompson (torn ACL) suffered serious injuries in the Finals and both will be free agents this summer. Even if they do re-sign with the Warriors, they'll be sidelined for much, if not all, of next season.
The Warriors' bench declined in 2018-19, as well, and they'll need to add multiple rotation pieces in the upcoming months.
“(We’re looking for) good young players, whatever position they are,” Myers said. “Those players have the most value in the NBA — rookie contract players that show themselves to have a skill and can play.
“Especially next year, we afford more opportunity for who we pick. Maybe we get a guy who can step in. We will have more opportunity next year. No matter what happens in free agency, we’ll have more of an opportunity for a young guy.”
The Warriors will also pick 58th and Myers said the team could consider buying another second-round selection.
“We’d like to have as many picks as we can,” Myers said. “But I think we have to be aware we have some youth already and who will be back and what spots we’ll have to fill.”
Golden State is projected to take former Belmont forward Dylan Windler at No. 28 in Sporting News’ latest mock draft.
