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Breaking down Warriors Wire’s picks in USA TODAY’s NBA Wire roundtable mock draft

Tommy Call
·4 min read

With the finals wrapped up and NBA draft week officially underway, USA TODAY’s NBA Wire crew linked up for a roundtable mock draft. Different writers from across the network were assigned general manager roles for teams around the association. Prospects came off the board and trades were dealt.

Sixty picks later; the Golden State Warriors landed a pair of prospects with two picks in the first round. With the mock draft closed, here is a breakdown of what was happening in Warriors Wire’s war room when on the clock with the No. 7 and No. 14 picks.

For a complete look at the 60-pick, two-round roundtable mock draft, click here.

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No. 7: James Bouknight, UConn

18.7 PTS, 44.7 FG%, 32 3PT FG%, 5.7 REB, 1.8 AST, 1.1 STL

With the No. 7 pick, Warrior Wire didn't receive enough trade interest to make a move for a veteran, forcing the pick for UConn guard James Bouknight. If either Scottie Barnes and Jonathan Kuminga were on the board at No. 7, they would've been strongly considered. However, Bouknight's potential as a scorer in the league is enticing enough to turn in the card with his name on it. Another player that deserved attention while on the clock at No. 7 was Baylor's Davion Mitchell. The 2021 NCAA tournament champ's defense and refined skills on offense project him as an immediate contributor. Still, instead of a ready-made prospect at No. 7, Warriors Wire leaned towards Bouknight's high ceiling. Via Rookie Wire:

While using this pick to net a proven NBA-ready player feels like the ideal move for the Warriors, Connecticut's James Bouknight has the scoring arsenal that could persuade Steve Kerr and Bob Myers to stay on the clock at No. 7. The 20-year-old guard has a bag of tricks when it comes to getting off a shot with the ball in his hands — something the Warriors desperately need when Steph Curry is off the floor. Even without the ball, the Husky standout smoothly navigates around the court to get open, another thing that fits Golden State's offense while Draymond Green brings the ball up the floor. Along with his exciting scoring repertoire, Bouknight would give the Warriors a needed dose of athleticism on the wing. At 6 feet, 4 inches, the All-Big East guard has an explosive first step that helps him push toward the rim.While his shooting numbers and passing are a concern, Bouknight could benefit from NBA spacing and a role in the second unit while he continues his development behind Curry and Klay Thompson. Following Jordan Poole's rise, the addition of Bouknight would give Kerr a pair of microwave scorers in the backcourt behind the Splash Brothers.

Previous two picks:

Following two picks:

  • No. 8: Orlando Magic - Davion Mitchell, Baylor

  • No. 9: Sacramento Kings: Moses Moody, Arkansas

No. 14: Chris Duarte, Oregon

17.1 PTS, 53.2 FG%, 42.4 3PT FG%, 4.6 REB, 2.7 AST, 1.9 STL After landing a prospect with immense potential, but needs time to develop at No. 7, Warriors Wire eyed a player that could help Golden State's run back to the postseason as soon as next season. Luckily for Warriors Wire, Oregon's Chris Duarte was still on the board. While Tennessee's Keon Johnson and Stanford's Ziaire Williams (two players the Warriors have held pre-draft workouts with) were still available, Duarte became the target as soon as the Bouknight selection was written in ink. Via Rookie Wire:

After landing a developmental prospect at No. 7, the Golden State Warriors grab one of the most pro-ready players in the 2021 draft class in Chris Duarte. After having success with drafting proven college players Draymond Green and Eric Paschall, the Warriors opt for another experienced college standout at No. 14. The 24-year-old guard is a well-rounded shooter that should knock down shots from NBA range right away. The breakout Oregon star shot 42.4% from beyond the arc on 5.5 attempts from deep during his final season in Eugene. Whether it’s moving without the ball for the open look or pulling up off the dribble, Duarte’s shooting will be a valuable asset for a team like the Warriors looking to make a run back to the postseason. While Duarte will likely get drafted because of his solid shooting, his defense isn’t something to overlook. The 6-foot-6 wing is a versatile defender that competes up and down the floor. Duarte led the Ducks in total steals (49) and blocks (21). Along with his solid shooting and consistent defensive effort, what makes Duarte appealing is his knack for the big moment. Whenever Dana Altman’s squad needed either a clutch jumper or a timely defensive stop, it was Duarte who came to answer the bell. Duarte is the type of prospect that looks like he could come to the Bay Area and contribute quickly for the Warriors.

Read more: HoopsHype interviews Chris Duarte Previous two picks:

  • No. 12: San Antonio Spurs - Josh Giddey, Adelaide 36ers

  • No. 13: Indiana Pacers - Franz Wagner, Michigan

Following two picks:

  • No. 15: Washington Wizards - Ziaire Williams, Stanford

  • No. 16: Oklahoma City Thunder - Keon Johnson, Tennessee

View the complete mock draft via Rookie Wire.

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