Golden State Warriors: Final Four NCAA Tournament Prospects They Need to Scout
Filled with drama, upsets, improbable runs, and fantastic finishes, this has been a memorable tournament. Not just that, it has also given Golden State fans a great distraction from this Warrior season.
This final four isn’t exactly loaded with NBA talent, but it is showing that teams playing together can beat teams loaded with NBA talent.
With the Warriors expected to overhaul their bench this offseason, these final four teams have a few players that could help them do that, along with a couple guys they could be looking to take when they inevitably pick 11th in this year’s draft.
While I love Kemba Walker and think he will be a good pro, he is not someone who is going to be on this list. While he would be a good pick for anyone, adding him to a mix of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry would most likely be a disaster. Even the Warriors wouldn’t think of putting them on the same team.
Here’s a list of the players that could fit in with the Warriors and whom they should be looking at.
1. Shelvin Mack, Butler
1 of 6
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 215 lbs
Position: Point Guard
What I love most about this guy is that he steps up when it matters most. Averaging 16 points per game in the regular season, he bumped up his average to 21 points per game—not to mention hitting countless game changing shots.
He has an NBA body and he is a tough physical defender, something that is desperately missing in the Warriors backcourt. He can create his own shot, and with his size and game he would work well with either Curry or Ellis at his side. He doesn't distribute the ball all that well, but with all the scorers the Warriors have he could learn quickly.
While still a junior, if he decides to declare and he is available when the Warriors second pick comes around, I would be thrilled if he were coming off the bench in a Warriors uniform.
2. Matt Howard, Butler
2 of 6
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: Power Forward
There has been no other player that I've enjoyed watching more this tournament than Matt Howard.
From setting multiple screens, taking countless charges, hitting the three, being a rebounding machine, and making smart and timely plays, there is no way Butler is where they are without him.
He is a winner, which is something the Warriors could use more of, or just some of.
With Louis Amundson having an option on his contract to leave, Howard could be that energy guy to come off the bench for 10 minutes a game and produce.
While he has probably hit his potential ceiling, he has played well enough for some team to take a chance on him in the second round this year. Even if he just becomes the guy that makes everyone work hard in practice, he deserves a shot at being an NBA player.
Brain Cardinal played hard enough on the Warriors to get paid, why can't Howard do the same as a second round pick?
If the Warriors do draft him, I'll be the guy in the Warriors stands with the Howard jersey on. I'll even get that mustache going if he brings it back.
3. Jeremy Lamb, UConn
3 of 6
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 185 lbs
Position: Shooting Guard
Lamb has really come on this in the tournament bumping his average to 18 points a game from 11 during the regular season.
While his best bet (and from most of the talk it sounds like he is staying) would be to go back to school since he looks like he is in eighth grade still. He still might end up deciding to bolt, especially if Walker leaves and/or the Huskies win a title.
If that's the case he could slide into the second round and the Warriors should jump on him based on potential alone. He wouldn't necessarily fit a real need but if he is there when the Warriors pick second he would be too good to pass up.
He can shoot the three and run the floor, something that is welcomed for playing for the Warriors.
He looks like he will be one of those guys that will end up being a lottery pick if he returns, but if he declares and he somehow fell into the second round, he would be a steal.
4. Jaime Skeen, VCU
4 of 6
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 240 lbs
Position: Power Forward
I'm still not quite sure who he is either, but based on the small amount I've seen him, he can play inside and outside, which would make a great compliment to David Lee.
Any player that can defend the post, rebound, shoot the three, as well as spread the floor to let David Lee work one-on-one in the post would be a welcome second round addition. That, or bring him in for a workout if he ends up not getting drafted.
5, Brandon Knight, Kentucky
5 of 6
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 183 lbs
Position: Point Guard
Taking over the reigns from John Wall probably contributed to his slow start, but he has really flourished lately.
Being the floor general for a final team, he has shown that he is going to be a great leader.
He looks like he would fit in perfectly with the Warriors offense. Knight is at his best when he is running up and down the floor and he is at a perfect size to compliment either Ellis or Curry in the backcourt—especially since he is long and a good defender.
He has shown the ability to hit big shots in this tournament, something the Warriors could use as they have a tough time closing out games.
Even with the Warriors need for size they would be hard pressed to pass up Knight if they are drafting in the back end of the lottery and he is still available.
6. Terrance Jones, Kentucky
6 of 6
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 226 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Jones may be the most versatile player in the country as there is really nothing he can't do. He can score, rebound, block shots and handle the ball, so there is a lot to like.
While he doesn't always look pretty he certainly gets the job done.
Most everyone one compares him to Lamar Odom and that could be exactly what the Warriors need to make a backcourt of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry work.
If they could add a big man to take some of the ball handling duties, it would really free up Curry and Ellis. Especially if it's a player who can rebound and guard the post, he could end up being a perfect fit this team.
Even if the Warriors get a top three selection they may still even look at this guy, and they would be crossing their fingers that he was still available if they pick later in the lottery.
