Oakland, CA – It finally came and now it’s over. The Warriors focus for the past couple of months has reached completion as Golden State drafted three rookies in the 2024 CSL Draft. New members of the team include Coby White, Zhaire Smith, and Ignas Brazdeikis. There was a lot of scouting, a lot of analytics, and a lot of list creating. Now, lets recap what went on behind the scenes for the Warriors just days ago.
11th Pick – PG Coby White
With this pick, the Warriors were confident there would be 6 players off the board. They included Zion Williamson, Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, Rui Haichumura, Cameron Johnson, and Bol Bol. That left the Warriors in a position to create a list of 5 guys at number 11. That 5 man list included the following (in no order): Coby White, Devonte’ Graham, Nasir Little, Dedric Lawson, and Caleb Martin. Some notable names not on that list include Jontay Porter due to injury concerns, and Hamidou Diallo who the Warriors didn’t seem too impressed with throughout their scouting. Prior to reaching #11, Golden State saw the likes of Graham, Little, and Lawson go off the board. This left them looking at White and Martin. Ultimately, with PJ Dozier already on the roster, the Warriors decided to go with White to solidify the point guard spot for years to come. Management also thought there might be a chance that Martin could be available at #14, but had a strong feeling White would not make it that far. It seems as though the Warriors would have been happy landing either White or Graham, as both players have different strengths.
14th Pick – SG Zhaire Smith
Zhaire Smith ended up being a bit of a last minute add to the Warriors draft list. After selecting White, Caleb Martin remained on their list for 14, along with a few other names. Those names included Zhaire Smith, Kevin Huerter, and Afernee Simons. The Warriors still weren't in love with Martin though as his offense seemed a little one dimensional. With Martin going to Boston at 13, the Warriors really started focusing on Smith and Huerter. The brass saw Simons as a great project, but his shooting even once developed may be a concern. If the Warriors were in more of a compete-now phase, no doubt they would have taken Huerter here. However, given the roster, the Warriors decided to take on a more well-rounded player in Smith, despite drafting White just a few picks before. Smith has the ability to play multiple positions, and likely will do so off the bench for the Warriors this season.
31st Pick – SF Ignas Brazdeikis
The Warriors were hoping to pick up a shooter with the 31st pick. Throughout the draft there was some hope that maybe someone like Haywood Highsmith or Admiral Schofield would still be there, but that didn’t happen. As the pick grew closer, the Warriors were focused in on two guys. One was Carson Edwards who seemed to slip in the draft, and the other was versatile forward Gary Clark. Unfortunately, Clark was chosen 29th by the Champs, and Edwards went to Boston with the 30th pick. This left the Warriors in a bit of a scramble with a bunch of names on their list. Some of the more talented players were smaller guards, such as LaGerald Vick and Shake Milton, but after drafting White and Smith the team knew they needed to go a bit bigger. It ultimately came down to Ignas Brazdeikis and Bonzie Colson. Brazdeikis ended up being the pick as he has more of an offensive game and can play the 3 or the 4 with his great size. The Warriors are also rumored to have a trade in place where they acquire a young defensive big, making Colson less of a priority.
There you have it! Inside the heads of the Warriors at the CSL Draft. Now we wait for free agency!
