On the recent NBA draft day, the Golden State Warriors traded away their first-round pick to acquire Butler, shifting their focus towards identifying standout players from the second round. Originally holding the 41st pick, they traded with the Phoenix Suns to end up with the 52nd and 59th picks. They then struck a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies to reclaim the 56th pick, enhancing their selection flexibility. Ultimately, they chose Alex Toohey and Will Richard, successfully completing their draft strategy for the year.
In this draft, the Warriors selected several players in the latter part of the second round, highlighting their focus on managing salary cap space. With the new 2023 CBA set to take effect, second-round draft picks can join teams on four-year minimum contracts, which is crucial for the Warriors’ future salary management. Among the 57 players drafted in the past, their signing of Trayce Jackson-Davis illustrates the Warriors’ strategy of enhancing roster depth through low-cost signings.
First up is Alex Toohey from the Sydney Kings, standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing around 222 pounds. He’s a versatile white forward who can adapt to various positions, bolstering the Warriors’ interior strength. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. highlighted his exceptional shooting range, which will diversify the Warriors’ inside tactics. According to Toohey’s postseason review data from the NBL, his shooting percentage has climbed from last year’s 24% to 31%, with a slight increase in free throw percentage as well, showcasing his potential and room for growth. While he may not match the athleticism of his positional peer Gui Santos, his game experience and tactical understanding clearly surpass the latter, contributing to the Warriors’ competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Next, the Warriors selected Will Richard with the 56th pick. He hails from the University of Florida, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 206 pounds, embodying the typical characteristics of a 3-and-D player. Richard’s three-point shooting range and defensive prowess are highly anticipated, with a shooting percentage of 40% last season, maintaining around 36% throughout the entire season. However, his offensive approach is relatively one-dimensional, primarily relying on outside shots, so he’ll need to enhance his ball-handling skills and creativity in offense. If he can adapt to the intensity of the Warriors’ play style and improve his off-ball movement, he has the potential to contribute to the team in upcoming seasons. With this fresh talent joining the roster, the Warriors are set to become even more diverse, and we can’t wait to see them shine amid the fierce competition.
