The Warriors only had one pick in this draft, but they still came away with two players. Ahead of yesterday's second round, the Californians traded their 52nd pick to the Thunder to get their hands on Lindy Waters III.
The 52nd pick then went to Portland, in another trade led by the Thunder, and then… was picked up by the Warriors. The latter sent cash to the Blazers, who were probably sated with their selection of young players earlier.
Result: The Warriors selected the Boston College center, Quinten Post. The Warriors thus recovered two potential rotation players.
The first is a back who showed in sequence his ability to score during his three seasons played at the Thunder. During his rookie year, before which he had not been drafted, he averaged 8 points (25 games) at the heart of a collective rout.
Capable of punishing from afar
Less used last season despite his long distance address (43.5%), Lindy Waters III was appreciated, and therefore watched, “ for a while » by the Warriors. « We think he matches all the qualities we are looking for. Size, shooting, but not only that. He plays on both ends of the pitch, he cuts. He plays the style we want to play”justifies GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.
On another note, Quinten Post, who had tested with the Warriors, is also capable of penalizing from afar. During his fifth year of university, he averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting 43% from 3-point range.
The GM, who does not specify the nature of the contract (“two-way contract”?), also sees him as a good passer. We believe in his shot. His throwing skills are very good (79%). Ditto for his percentage on the 'pick-and-pop'. We don't want one-dimensional players “, continues the manager whose rookie could take inspiration from Trayce Jackson-Davis' journey last year.
A financial issue
Beyond the sporting aspect, there is the financial issue. The Athletic explains that by using cash to buy out their pick, under the punitive new restrictions of the collective bargaining agreement, the Warriors are now capped at the “second apron.” Their total payroll cannot exceed $189.5 million for the upcoming season.
“ We are aware of what this has done. At the same time, we are in agreement with it. To stay under the second threshold, there is a lot of money to spend to build a good team. We are also aware of the restrictive and prohibitive aspect of the situation. », notes Mike Dunleavy Jr.
His team is now worth about $177 million, with 12 players on the roster, including the $30 million non-guaranteed cap owed to Chris Paul, whose contract is fully guaranteed this Friday.
But as mentioned previously, the leader confirmed that it was still possible that the two parties would agree to extend this deadline.
