Warriors' Ideal 2022 NBA Mock Draft
The Golden State Warriors might have the NBA's deepest roster.
They also have a chance to deepen it during the upcoming 2022 draft.
They hold three picks (Nos. 28, 51 and 55), though they're reportedly looking to move their first-rounder for "future draft capital," per B/R's Jake Fischer.
If Golden State makes all three selections, though, the following mock would be an ideal way to spend draft night.
No. 28: Jake LaRavia, PF, Wake Forest
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The Warriors could see their depth as justification to swing big on upside. Or they might be worried about free agency luring away the likes of Kevon Looney, Otto Porter Jr. or Gary Payton II, meaning they may need more rotation help than it seems.
If they covet an instant-impact contributor, then Jake LaRavia could be right up their alley.
"LaRavia's shoot-dribble-pass skill set would work well in the Golden State Warriors' system," B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote. "... Offensive versatility, defensive instincts and high IQ should allow LaRavia to fit anywhere, especially on a team that can surround him with creators and scorers."
After transferring from Indiana State to Wake Forest ahead of this past season, the 20-year-old launched onto the NBA radar by pumping up his production across the board.
Among LaRavia's many career highs in 2021-22 were 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a scorching 55.9 field-goal percentage.
No. 51: Josh Minottt, SF/PF, Memphis
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Memphis had a bunch of blue-chip talent this past season, which limited how much floor time Josh Minott could get. He wound up logging single-digit minutes (10 times) far more often than reaching 30-plus (three) and ultimately averaged just 14.6 minutes per contest.
That adds a bit of mystery to the 19-year-old's immediate outlook, but it also means he may offer some hidden-gem potential.
If added to Golden State's wing rotation, Minott would immediately provide good size (6'8"), great energy and explosive athleticism. He has a right-place, right-time tendency to stay around the basketball and makes his presence felt as a cutter and rebounder.
His jumper needs work, but his 75.4 percent connection rate at the foul line offers some hope there.
If it's possible, the Memphis product would make this defense even more versatile, as he offers the quickness to keep in front of guards and the length to bother bigger players.
No. 55: JD Davison, PG, Alabama
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JD Davison lacks polish, which some might say should take him off the Warriors' draft board. For the optimistic members of the audience, though, they could instead see buy-low potential here.
The 19-year-old generated first-round buzz just last summer, so the chance to get him at the back end of the second could be too enticing to pass up.
Davison needs to shore up his shooting and decision-making, but Golden State can afford to wait for those developments. If it can iron out those areas, then it's getting an absurdly bouncy point guard who can make highlight plays at either end.
He can be too passive, but that may not be a bad thing in the Bay Area given the amount of offensive weapons he would have around him. Having him initiate fast break chances with Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and (fingers crossed) James Wiseman could turn this second unit into a high-octane, change-of-pace bench mob.
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