who will the warriors pick with the #7 pick
i would suggest drafting gerald henderson. just a flat out balls-to-the-wall guy who hustles and can succeed in a fast-paced offense. he wouldnt demand the ball much and could just float around and make plays. if they warriors take a wingman i think henderson. they have jackson, crawford, and co-magg who need the ball. henderson doesnt and thats why i think they should take him if they take a sg/sf
If Jordan Hill is not available, I'm thinking DeMar DeRozan could be the pick. Jordan Hill, despite his poor agility testing, is the type of up-tempo force at the 4 spot that the warriors have coveted. The club used their 2007 First Rounk Pick on athletic PF Brandan Wright, however, Hill actually has a bit of physical maturity and is not afraid to use his body. Don Nelson allegedly told Jordan Hill that he would probably be the pick at 7 were he available. While I doubt that qualifies as a "promise," it makes sense systematically and value wise.
With Anthony Randolph, Stephen Jackson, and even Brandan Wright sharing the 3/4 positions and Monta Ellis being moved, perhaps, to the full-time PG role in Oakland, the shooting guard position may be the most likely. Say what you will about Jamal Crawford, Kelena Azibuke, Anthony Morrow, and Corey Magette (SG/SF). I know these guys can score, but so can Larry Hughes and Ricky Davis. DeMar DeRozan who has shown some personal maturity and desire on the defensive end, could be a fit. Here's a guy who has the athleticism to run in Nelson's up-tempo scheme offensively, but also has the length, athleticism, and mindset to guard your Jason Richardson's, Kobe Bryant's, and Tracy McGrady's. His interview on this site really changed my perception about him as both a person and a player. Here's a boom or bust player in every sense of the word, and in no way am I introducing him as the safe pick. But judging by Golden State's draft track record (notably Wright in 07', Randolph in 08') it would definitely appear as if Don Nelson isn't scared by taking a risk developing young talent.
An interesting name to keep an eye on is Terrance Williams. I think only himself and college coach, Rick Pitino, would grade him as a Mid-Lottery player, which is where these Warriors pick. Still, one must wonder in this weak a draft class how much value means if the schematic fit is there. It would appear that the Nets like Tyler Hansbrough to seriously consider and perhaps pick him at 11th Overall. Williams to Golden State makes a good deal of sense. The poster above me cites Gerald Henderson as an athletic, try-hard guy that could run with the Warriors team while not commanding the ball too much on the offensive end. I see Williams as a similar force. His effort and character came into question at Louisville in the past, though in his senior season he started to flash some vocal leadership and led by example. Williams and Henderson are similar athletes, but I think it's Williams' slightly superior height and defensive capabilities that makes him a better fit for the Warriors system which relies so much on versatility and athleticism. I simply like Williams on the defensive end more than Henderson. Williams has the potential to guard the 2 and 3 spot, whereas Henderson, standing at 6'5 in shoes, is even a tad undersized for the two guard spot. That, I believe is the deciding factor I'm looking at as far as fit goes. Neither is particularly polished offensively, both are great athletes and presences on the defensive end. It comes down to versatility, and the importance of it in the Warriors system. I should note, though, that Henderson is definitely a possibility and because of his intangibles fundamentally and his grasp over the mental aspect of the game, I do actually have Gerald a bit higher on my personal board.
Point Guard, though seemingly unlikely, is a possibility. I'm not sure adding a PG and adding fuel to Monta Ellis' fire would be the right move, but there are a number of players that could fit this up-tempo scheme. Assuming Steph Curry falls in the 2-6 area, there are two names that strike me as good fits. Jonny Flynn and Brandon Jennings. The two quickest, most athletic guards in this class could do big things in a system like Don Nelson's and obviously must be considered. Jennings has the kind of raw talent that you want if you're a GM in the mid-lottery, but lacks consistency, personal maturity, and physical maturity. If, hypothetically, the team wants a starting Point Guard for 2009, they go Jonny Flynn not only due to his fit in the system, but also because of his NBA ready body, experience, and command over his teammates that you like to see from the PG position. It's a toss up there.
When all is said and done, I think the semi-local product, DeMar DeRozan will be a member of the Golden State Warriors. For now at least...
Evans is the guy I like for them if he's there. He can play the off guard or move over when Ellis is out. Henderson was an interesting suggestion - I liked your line of thinking anyway - but I doubt it will happen unless they move down.
I don't see Jordan Hill unless it's because they just completely caved to Ellis. They've got a young & packed frontcourt already, and Hill just doesn't seem like so much of an improvement that he clearly knocks someone else out of the rotation.
DeRozan might be a good fit, but I just have a hard time seeing him going that high. I think he's slipped a little & pick 9 is there earliest he goes.
If Harden somehow slipped to them (extremely doubtful), he'd probably be the best fit of the bunch. But of those likely to be there, I like Evans the best.
Jennings - - I think