The Golden State Warriors are looking to address areas of deficiency in the 2023 NBA draft after being bounced out of the playoffs in the second round last season. The Warriors’ exit was their earliest – in a non-COVID NBA season – since they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round in 2014.
The Warriors know they need to make some changes, particularly after the loss to the Lakers exposed the lack of height and athleticism. The issues could be exacerbated by forward Draymond Green’s decision to decline his player option for next season and become a free agent this summer. After trading away James Wiseman, the Warriors’ tallest players (6-foot-9) are Kevon Looney, JaMychal Green and Patrick Baldwin.
The Warriors need help up front, but they’re way over the luxury tax threshold and financially limited in what they can do in free agency. The next area to acquire help is the draft, scheduled for Thursday night.
There are reports the Warriors are interested in the trading up from their current position at No. 19 to select a big man.
The Warriors are targeting Duke center Dereck Lively II, according to a report. However, the odds of the 7-foot-1 Lively being on the board at No. 19 are very slim. The Dallas Mavericks (No. 10), Orlando Magic (No. 11), Toronto Raptors (No. 13) and the Atlanta Hawks (No. 15) are taking a long look at Lively.
The Warriors are packaging Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody and their first-round pick as bait to move up to at least the No. 10 spot.
Lively has come on strong in pre-draft workouts after an up and down season with the Blue Devils. Lively was one of the most heralded freshmen, but was inconsistent, averaging 5.4 points, five rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 19.8 minutes per game. The Warriors could use a young, active and athletic big man, but can they afford to wait for his development as the team continues to age?