Though the Golden State Warriors are in the midst of a late-season swoon, they are still viewed as a legitimate contender for the NBA title. One of their veteran players clearly believes the organization could be even better poised for a playoff run with some different draft decisions.
Instead of selecting more polished players in the NBA Draft, Golden State has focused on taking young developmental players. James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody were all teenagers when drafted by the Warriors in the last two years. The organization was trying to build a secondary core of young talent to carry the load when Stephen Curry and Draymond Green began to age.
Veteran forward Andre Iguodala is clearly not a fan of the plan. He argues that it is disrespectful to the team’s veteran stars and simultaneously unfair to the young players who are forced to adjust to the expectations of contributing to a contender immediately.
“It’s just, you know, it kind of disrespects the former era,” Iguodala said, via Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “But I also don’t think you’re giving the new era the opportunity to grow and be kids, throwing that all on them and it’s not deserving. It’s just my perspective. Could be wrong.”
The Warriors’ depth has been tested by injuries to Curry, Green, and Thompson. Unsurprisingly, the young players have shown flashes of talent, but have been largely inconsistent. Wiseman has not even played this year due to his own injury.
The fact that the young players are not totally ready to contribute while the veterans are still a championship core might back Iguodala’s point. If those draft picks turn into stars and the Warriors avoid a full rebuild, however, the organization will see the plan as a success.
Photo: Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Andre Iguodala (28) is all smiles during pregame warmups before the Heats game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
