The 2021 NBA Draft will be a defining time for the Warriors. They currently own two first-round picks for the upcoming draft, but both picks are protected. The first is a top-three protected pick from Minnesota, and the second is the Warriors’ own top-20 protected pick that got sent to the Thunder in the Kelly Oubre trade.

This means that depending on how the season goes, the Warriors could end up with two top-20 picks (with the Timberwolves pick likely being top-5) or they could end up with one or even no picks at all. As of now, the standings would have the Warriors ending up with no picks, but the season isn’t even half way over and plenty can change between now and the draft.

Klay Thompson will be returning next year, but it will be very difficult for the Warriors to add any other players through free agency. This means that the draft could be one of the only few ways that the Warriors can bolster next year’s roster. With that said, here are a few players that the Warriors could end up targeting with their potential picks.

Early Picks

Jonathan Kuminga, SF, G-League Ignite

Kuminga is a modern wing with a 6’8”, 220 lb frame and elite athletic ability. He has an NBA-ready body and elite defensive potential. He also shows a strong ability to drive to the basket and has flashed an outside shot. His natural tools give him huge upside on both ends of the floor. He projects best as a slashing wing who is a menace in the fast break and can also guard up to four positions on defense.

Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga

Although the Warriors don’t really need a starting-caliber guard, Suggs seems like a perfect fit for the Warriors organization. He can play either guard position and has an all-around profile that includes the elite intangibles that the Warriors value so highly. He is a great shooter both off the dribble and off the ball, he has the ability to create for his teammates, and also projects well on the defensive end. He really doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses and is likely to be an impact player from Day 1.

Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State

Another player who is a great fit for the Warriors system, Barnes is arguably the closest college product we have seen to Draymond Green since Green came into the league. He has excellent size and athletic ability that allows him to be an elite defender who is also extremely versatile. Offensively, Barnes is an exceptional passer who has the ability to bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense. Similar to Draymond, Barnes is still working on his shot, but he could be a future All-Star if that part of his game comes around.

Mid-First

Josh Giddey, PG, Australia

The last time the Warriors had a tall backup point guard, it was a huge success, as we all know what happened with Shaun Livingston during the Warriors championship years. Giddey is in many ways a similar player. He is a 6’8” lead guard who has a great combination of ball handling, court vision, and shooting. Despite not being a great athlete, his height at least gives him some intrigue as someone who could maybe guard multiple positions at the next level.

Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor

Another possible option if the Warriors end up looking for point guard depth, Mitchell offers a very different profile at the position than Giddey. At 6’2” 200 lbs, Mitchell is a tough competitor who plays smart, high-energy basketball. He has an all-around profile that includes being a good decision maker with the ball in his hands as well as being able to score at all three levels. He also projects as a plus defender who can guard both backcourt positions. Mitchell is someone who could eventually turn into the leader of a team’s second unit.

Greg Brown, F, Texas

Brown is a raw player who will need plenty of development at the NBA level, but he has plenty of physical skills that give him a very exciting profile. He can play both forward positions but is probably a better fit as a power forward where his inconsistent shooting will be less of a detriment. However, he does have good form and could eventually turn into a good shooter who can stretch the floor. He is an incredible athlete who can consistently produce highlight dunks, and that athleticism gives him plenty of potential on the defensive end. He will need to put on weight, but Brown is a player who an NBA team can mold in a number of directions.