The Golden State Warriors could be going with an in-state product with their high lottery pick in this year’s draft.
In a mailbag piece this week, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Connor Letorneau reported that the Warriors are higher on USC big man Onyeka Okongwu than Memphis counterpart James Wiseman. Letorneau adds that if the team ends up drafting a big in the top five, it will “almost definitely” be Okongwu.
The 19-year-old Okongwu was a stud last season for the Trojans, averaging 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He also famously played at Chino Hills High School with the Ball brothers, winning three state titles there. While Okongwu is only 6-foot-9, he would be a perfect fit for Golden State’s brand of downsizing and give them the true rim protector that they have lacked since Andrew Bogut.
Earlier reports suggested that Wiseman, who is also an elite shot blocker but stands 7-foot-1, was the Warriors’ top target in the draft. If they seek a more switchable, modern 5 than a classic drop big however, Okongwu might be the one for them.
