NBA Draft 2011: 10 Forwards the Golden State Warriors Need to Target
The NBA playoffs are right around the corner and for the Warriors that means it's time to get ready for the draft.
This is usually the most exciting time of the year for Warrior fans, the hope of the ping-pong ball landing their way for a top-three pick. The hope that maybe the one player they draft will make the difference between another lottery year and making the playoffs.
There are a couple players who could bring some value in the second round, and with the Warriors currently slotted at the 11th pick, here are the forwards Golden State should be looking at and who we should be acquainted with come draft time.
Also included are a few other guys in case they get lucky in the lottery, because they are way overdue for a little luck.
1. Matt Howard, PF Butler
1 of 10
Nowhere to be found in any mock drafts, although that should change after going to his second consecutive NCAA championship game, Matt Howard is a player the Warriors could use based on his attitude alone.
He is a blue-collar guy and someone who could bring a winning attitude to a team that could definitely use one. If he were to come in for eight to 10 minutes a game, take a charge, dive for a loose ball, if nothing else he could inspire the rest of the players on the floor.
Second-round picks flame out for a lot of reasons, but it won't be from a lack of effort from this guy.
Even if he struggles to get onto the court, the effect he might have in practice alone with his work ethic could be worth the gamble in the second round.
I mean, it’s the second round—you could do a lot worse than add a guy that has been a key part to a team that has been to two consecutive championship games.
(Side note: I wrote all of this before the NCAA championship game or lack thereof, but still like him anyway. What sounds worse, making 12 shots for the game, or shooting 18 percent?)
2. Jamie Skeen, PF VCU
2 of 10
I am probably a “prisoner of the moment” with these first two selections, but after watching them both play this last month, I think both guys deserve a shot at the NBA.
Skeen can do a little bit of everything, and since David Lee isn’t going anywhere, being able to play a guy like Skeen at the 4 to isolate Lee down low is crucial.
Just like the David Lee circa New York Knicks, if the Warriors can get away with a frontcourt like that for 10 minutes a game and be successful, it would really be a benefit in getting Lee into a rhythm.
Skeen can play on the perimeter and rebound, something that complements Lee well; he is definitely worth a shot at the 42nd pick.
Now if the Warriors get lucky…
3. Derrick Williams, PF Arizona
3 of 10
Williams was the most physically dominant player in this year's tournament, and should be able to step in right away and help any team that gets a top-three pick immediately.
If the Warriors are lucky enough to land a top-three pick, while drafting a starting center doesn't look like a real possibility in this year's draft, Williams will be able to fill the need that is most likely to come in this draft, and the team could be able to bring Dorrell Wright off the bench.
Williams is a very good defender, and him being able to guard multiple positions on the floor is huge when your backcourt consists of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.
He is a strong finisher in transition as well as being a terrific rebounder and good shot blocker.
The Warriors would be able to get away with starting Ekpe Udoh at center and Lee at power forward with Williams' length starting at small forward.
If they are able to get Biedrins and Wright to come off the bench, and if they could sign a Samuel Dalembert or someone similar, the Warriors could be looking at the playoffs.
4. Harrison Barnes, SF UNC
4 of 10
After struggling through the first part of the season, it seemed like Barnes was getting better with each game he played.
He is fantastic in transition and a good defender, and possesses a picture-perfect jumper. He would make a great starting small forward on next year's Warriors squad.
Until he says for sure he is going back to North Carolina, the Warriors can hope that Barnes would one day wear a Golden State uniform, as the sky is the limit for him.
5. Enes Kanter, PF/C Kentucky
5 of 10
Here's what we know about Kanter: He's 6'11'', a teenager, is from the same place as Bald Bull, and John Calipari recruited him.
The fact that he wanted to play in college should say something about his character.
I can't imagine coming from Turkey and taking college courses, all while playing basketball for Kentucky, is something most kids his age could handle.
We can only really go by what the scouts are saying about most players coming from overseas, and I don't really like to take any value from YouTube clips on any player. Just type in Andris Biedrins on YouTube—he looks like he is David Robinson.
I want to see players play against top competition, and not someone who is working out while being guarded by a traffic cone.
Enes Kanter's scouting report lists him as a tough physical player who plays like a veteran. Sounds good to me, as that is something that the Warriors could use, a big man especially one with a good attitude and strong work ethic.
The biggest thing to me is that he is one of Calipari's recruits. If Calipari really wanted him, then he has to be talented because it's not like Calipari recruits anyone that doesn't have at least a McDonald's All-American jersey in his closet.
6. Perry Jones, PF Baylor
6 of 10
Perry Jones had a forgettable freshman year at Baylor, but there is no denying his talent. He has a ton of potential and his game is probably more suited to play in the NBA anyway—Baylor may not have been the place for him.
Jones, along with a couple of other guys in this draft, is what I think the Warriors should come out of this draft with, a big man who can handle the ball.
Imagine a 6'11'' small forward pushing the ball up the floor with Curry and Ellis on the wings.
Being able to draft someone that can take some of the point guard responsibilities off of Stephen Curry and/or Ellis could be just what the two of them need to make a successful backcourt.
Jones is also a good shooter and excellent rebounder; the ladder is crucial if the Warriors are serious about starting Udoh at center.
7. Jan Vesely, PF Czech Republic
7 of 10
This guy could be unbelievable, but again, all we really know is what the scouts say and what we see on his youtube clip, which I have to say is really impressive.
His nickname is the Dunking Ninja; that alone should warrant a high draft pick I think.
However, here's the problem after watching him on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zlB5w08_Es
You'd think this guy would be drafted number one no problem after watching that. By the highlights alone, he looks promising and if he is even half as good these clips look, he could be a player. As we know through these clips though, that's a big "if."
Scouts say he can do most everything on the floor, with his main flaw being that his offensive game is still raw, which is something I think the Warriors could live with.
I hope the Warriors scouting does their part on this guy because he sounds like he can be a real player.
8. Kawhi Leonard, SF SDSU
8 of 10
A high-energy forward who would fit in like a glove at the small forward slot.
He can really run the floor, and the key with Leonard is that he doesn’t need to score to be able to contribute. He is an excellent rebounder and he can play both forward spots.
The biggest knock to his game is his offense, which could end up being a plus playing for the Warriors because the one problem the Warriors don’t have is putting the ball through the hoop. They don’t need anyone else that needs to score to help this team.
Most importantly, he is a great defender, which is something the Warriors really need more of. He could be the Suns' Shawn Marion to this Warriors squad. Sounds pretty good to me.
9. Jordan Hamilton, SF Texas
9 of 10
Another big guy who can handle the ball and lead the fast break.
His versatility is something that would fit in well with the current theme of this year’s draft, finding someone who will fit with an Ellis/Curry backcourt.
Anyone that can play multiple positions, rebound and handle the ball would be more than welcomed.
He can also spread the floor with his shooting ability. He would fit in at small forward, allowing Wright to eventually come off of the bench.
10. Terrence Jones, SF Kentucky
10 of 10
If the Warriors end up with the 11th pick and Jones is still available, I think this could end up being the best fit for them.
Even if they land a top-three selection, they still might even look at Jones there based on his fit with this team.
He can do a little bit of everything on the floor, but it's his ball handling skills that would help the most.
Adding a guy that can rebound, and someone to play as a point forward, is just what the Warriors might need to complement Ellis and Curry.
