Mock Draft: The Warriors are up at #11!

[elindholm]

1. Orlando -- Emeka Okafor
2. L. A. Clippers -- Dwight Howard
3. Chicago -- Luol Deng
4. Charlotte -- Shaun Livingston
5. Washington -- Andris Biedrins
6. Atlanta -- Ben Gordon
7. Phoenix -- Andre Iguodala
8. Toronto -- Pavel Podkolzine
9. Philadelphia -- Josh Childress
10. Cleveland -- Devin Harris
11. Golden State
12. Seattle
13. Portland
14. Utah
15. Boston
16. Utah
17. Atlanta
18. New Orleans
19. Miami
20. Denver
21. Utah
22. New Jersey
23. Portland
24. Boston
25. Boston
26. Sacramento
27. L. A. Lakers
28. San Antonio
29. Indiana

 

[elindholm]

I think they'll take Smith because he'll have the most trade value, but not because they want him. Nelson would be a better fit, but the best deal for them will be to make a trade.

 

[George O'Brien]

I haven't heard anything. I could make a case for Araujo, although I think he is simply too slow to be an especially good center. However, if the Warriors do end up losing Dampier and Foyle to free agency, they will be hurting and he is probably the most "ready to play" of the available centers. This is not really much of an endorsement.

BTW, really doubt they would take Smith. They have Dunleavey, Cardinal (unless he leaves through free agency), and possibly Pietrus to play SF. But without Dampier and Foyle, the are going to be very weak inside. Cliff Robinson only shot 39% from the field and had only 3.9 rpg in 34.7 minutes a game.

 

[Errntknght]

Well, shucks, I'm running out of guys that I've read much about. It seems to me that GS might go with a PG because they know they need one whereas they could well intend to retain Dampier. Now that Harris is gone I don't have him to vote for anymore, though. (I backed him against Gordon and Poko for my only two 'losers' so far.) Time to get out the dart board...

 

[elindholm]

They have Dunleavey, Cardinal (unless he leaves through free agency), and possibly Pietrus to play SF.

The Warriors might pass on Smith, but it won't be because they have the position covered by Brian Cardinal. He put together a nice season, but he's already 27 years old and screams "journeyman."

 

[Southpaw]

Luke Jackson may be a clone of Chris Mullin. Maybe Chris sees himself in Luke, plus Luke can play.

 

[George O'Brien]

Luke Jackson may be a clone of Chris Mullin. Maybe Chris sees himself in Luke, plus Luke can play.

Luke would not be a "need" pick, but he would be less of a risk than Araujo or Smith. Araujo looks to me to be this year's Chris Kamen, a big low post threat with minimal defensive skills. Like Chris, the team drafting him willl hope they can teach defense. That is a common hope.

 

[elindholm]

Again it looks like I can safely end this a bit early.

The Warriors select Josh Smith.