NBA Draft 2012: 5 Players the Warriors Should Target with No. 7 Pick

Owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber
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The Golden State Warriors were awarded the 7th overall pick after posting a record of 23-43, which was good enough for 4th in the division. With a nucleus of young promising players, the team's stretch of four seasons without a winning record may come to a halt after this year's NBA Draft.

Notable Warrior draftees that were taken with the 7th pick were Chris Mullin back in 1985 and more recently, Stephen Curry in 2009. 

The Warriors starting lineup for next season is pretty much set except for the small forward position. This is the biggest need for Golden State entering the draft.

However, according to Marcus Thompson from the Contra Costa Times the Warriors will also be looking at trade possibilities for their No. 7 pick. 

Nonetheless, here is a list of players that the Warriors should target in the upcoming draft. 

1. Harrison Barnes, SF

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Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the best small forward in the draft, will surely be drafted early which leaves the possibility of Harrison Barnes falling to the Warriors.

The 6'8" small forward from North Carolina not only gives Golden State value at the No. 7 pick, but he also fits into their starting line up nicely. 

Barnes is not shy about filling it up, but the main knock on him is that he has trouble creating his own shots. Even so, Barnes is sure to get his fair share of open shots playing alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Both of these guards are able to break their defenders down and create open looks for teammates.

2. Perry Jones III, SF

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Just by the eye ball test, Perry Jones III from Baylor is on another level compared to most players in this year's draft.

This small forward stands at a staggering 6'11" and is able to handle the ball with ease. Jones also has the ability to play with his back to the basket as well as the perimeter, but he is still unpolished in both facets.

Jones is brimming with potential, but he's still very raw. This is what separates him from the phenoms. 

The Warriors would certainly be getting a project if they draft Jones. Although, given his huge upside, he is worth the selection. 

3. Jared Sullinger, PF

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The Warriors have already solidified their four spot with David Lee so drafting a power forward at No. 7 could be too early for a bench player.

However, Lee has been a work horse for Golden State ever since the Warriors acquired him 2010. Last season, he lead the team with 37.2 minutes per game, which placed him ninth in the league, according to ESPN.com.

Drafting Jared Sullinger will not only give Lee a rest, but it will also pump new life into a bench that has been known to struggle at times.  The 6'9" power forward from Ohio State is an effective scorer on the block and also has the capability to play some center. 

4. Jeremy Lamb, G

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Again, this may be a bit too early to be drafting players that will come off the bench, but given Jeremy Lamb's skill set he shouldn't be overlooked.

The UConn guard has an incredible wingspan of over 7'0" on his 6'5" frame which makes him a nightmare to defend. Lamb also possesses good handles and has the potential to be a very good defender in the NBA.

The Warriors running small lineups dates all the way back to the "RUN TMC" era with coach Don Nelson. Even though this scheme can be a liability on the defensive end, playing Lamb, Curry and Thompson together in certain situations could really give the team a boost. 

5. John Henson, PF

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Arguably only three small forwards in this draft class deserve to be in the Top 10.  Given their position at seven, the Warriors shouldn't reach for a player considering they also have the 30th and the 35th pick to fall back on.

John Henson boasts impressive rebounding, shot blocking and defensive skills that the Warriors desperately need.

The 6'10" power forward from North Carolina would be a good fit for the Warriors for the same reason as taking Sullinger with the first pick. The main difference would be Henson's outstanding defense. The back-to-back ACC Defensive Player of the Year is no slouch.