With the Draft a Few Days Away Let's Explore the Best Fits at the Seven Spot for Golden State

There have been lots of rumors circulating the NBA that the Warriors’ front office is looking to trade their two lottery picks for a “star” player. While this might be true, it also might not be, especially with Marc Stein’s recent report that a pre-draft trade is unlikely and a “step too soon.”

While I think Golden State will ultimately flip their picks or drafted players into either a star-caliber NBA player or an excellent NBA vet, it’s looking more and more likely that the Warriors will make their lottery picks, or at least one of them, on draft night.

The seventh pick is obviously the more valuable of the two picks, so in the chance that Golden State doesn’t elect to trade for an already established NBA player, which future rookie will likely be available at the seventh spot that will be able to make an immediate contribution to the rotation and fill some gaps in Golden State’s roster? We’ve ranked our top three picks below.

1. Davion Mitchell

At the seventh pick, Golden State simply needs to take the best player available, regardless of fit. The Warriors’ front office drafted for roster need last year by taking Wiseman at the second pick, which wasn’t necessarily the wrong move as Wiseman still oozes with potential, but neglecting to draft the already-budding star in Lamelo Ball looks more and more to be a huge wasted opportunity.

Drafting Davion Mitchell at number seven makes a lot of sense. He’s ready to contribute at 22 years old, he’s an elite defender, an excellent three-point shooter (44.7% from three in college) and can create his own shot—not to mention his excellent work ethic (a la Jordan Poole). Although his ceiling might potentially be a little lower than a Scottie Barnes or Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors don’t need a project with this pick.

2. Moses Moody

Consistent scoring from anyone other than Steph Curry was a glaring weakness in Golden State’s roster last year. That void will potentially be filled a little bit by drafting Moses Moody with the seventh pick.

Moody shot 35.8 percent from three on 5.1 attempts per game as a freshman at Arkansas and measured 6-foot-4.5 with a wingspan over 7 feet at the NBA draft combine, so he could be ready to immediately contribute as a two-way wing. As long as his shooting holds up and progresses, picking Moody at number seven could be just what the Warriors need. Think Otto Porter Jr., but a lot easier for the organization to afford.

3. Corey Kispert

I don’t care if taking Kispert at the seventh spot is considered a reach—I love him. Kispert is 6’ 6”, was a consensus All-American at Gonzaga, and had 53/44/88 shooting splits as a senior.

In today’s NBA, the more shooting, the better, and you can’t get much more of a pure shooter than Kispert. Sure, his biggest question mark would be his defense, but Golden State is loaded with great defenders & lacking in pure shooters (besides Steph and Klay). If the Warriors drafted Kispert with the seventh pick, he’d be able to contribute right away and with great efficiency.