2011 NBA Mock Draft: Golden State Warriors Will Shape Tonight's NBA Draft

Zachary D. RymerJun 23, 2011

Golden State Warriors a True Linchpin Team in 2011 NBA Mock Drafts

If you're looking for a team to watch in tonight's NBA Draft, you might want to consider the Golden State Warriors. That they have the No. 11 overall pick in the draft is not that sexy, but there will still be plenty of drama when they're on the clock. The thing is that nobody really has any clue what the Warriors are going to do.

By all accounts, Washington State shooting guard Klay Thompson is at the top of the Warriors' wish list. Jerry West, the team's newest exec, is supposedly in love with his sweet-shooting ways, and he would no doubt fit right in with the Warriors' high-scoring offense.

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There's just one problem: seemingly every other team in the lottery is also in love with Thompson, and it's starting to look very unlikely that he will still be available by the time the Warriors are on the clock.

If Thompson does come off the board before No. 11, that's when things will get interesting.

Even with Thompson out of the question, there's still a chance that the Warriors will look to add a 2-guard. Provided he's still available, Colorado's Alec Burks would be the top option. The interesting part is that he's more of a slasher than a shooter, which would make him an oddly fitting replacement for Monta Ellis if and when the Warriors trade him.

Or, the Warriors could go an entirely different direction. The one thing you hear most often from the team is that they need to get better defensively, and that's an effort that starts with the frontcourt.

Somebody like Bismack Biyombo, a physical forward/center from the Congo, would be perfect. Once again, though, he might not be available. The same goes for Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas and Texas power forward Tristan Thompson.

If the Warriors can't get any of the aforementioned players, they're going to have two options: make a quick trade, or settle for a player way down on their wish list. If they choose the latter route, look for them to take one of the Morris twins or Florida State defensive whiz Chris Singleton. I also wouldn't rule out Jimmer Fredette, who would be a great backup for Stephen Curry.

Meanwhile, the teams drafting behind Golden State will be sitting on the edge of their seats. Whoever the Warriors pick, those that pick after them will have to adjust their plans accordingly.