The Golden State Warriors return next season at full health, reminding the ever-competitive Western Conference that there is one more threat to account for, and at its core is the three-time champion trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Looking ahead, those three will welcome a new addition to the fold, and step one of that process begins with the NBA Draft Lottery. 

With the worst record in the NBA this season, the Warriors share the best percentage odds (14%) for the top overall pick, guaranteeing their first-rounder to be a top-five selection. As the ping pong balls fell, here is where Golden State’s draft pick landed in the upcoming NBA Draft, as well as implications for the franchise going forward. 

With the 2nd overall pick

Come NBA Draft night the Golden State Warriors will be picking second overall. Should Bob Myers and company choose to keep their pick, first and foremost whom they will be able to draft will depend on how Minnesota, the winners of the top overall pick, make their choice. 

The Timberwolves could choose to add Anthony Edwards, whose name is atop many mock drafts, to their young duo of D’Angelo Russell and Karl Anthony-Towns, it could leave Golden State to decide between the likes of James Wiseman or LaMelo Ball. Granted, if the Warriors have more confidence in another top prospect, like Obi Toppin or Deni Avdija, they just might stick to their scouting and call either of their names instead. 

What comes next

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and even coach Steve Kerr himself reiterated what is one of the well-known facts: that the Warriors will first and foremost entertain any and all offers for their second overall pick. Ultimately, any deal would likely have to result in getting back a return that would help Golden State in the short-term, with the goal of fortifying their roster for another title run.

Maximizing Steph, Klay, and Draymond’s return to full health next season is surely priority number one for the front office. Just because Golden State didn’t come away with the top pick doesn’t mean the lottery odds passed them by. That second overall pick is still very much a valuable asset, and there are sure to be teams entertaining offers to solidify their rebuild or potentially bolster a fringe-playoff roster. It’s now up to Bob Myers to carefully assess any and all offers, and if there is an offer on the table that can maximize the Warriors’ shot at returning to contention, the front office would likely entice that deal.