Heading into the 2011 NBA Lottery, Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob said that getting the number one overall pick had nothing to do with statistics, it’s about the physics of ping pong balls. He might as well said “I’m not holding my breath.”
The W’s 0.8% chance of getting that number one pick pretty much solidified them staying put, and they remained in the eleventh overall pick in this year’s draft. The questions will now turn to who the W’s might choose, and how the team’s front office can make them a contender and in a hurry.
The W’s have the 44th overall pick in the second round as well.
There is still over a month before the draft gets underway, which will give Golden State time to do their homework on this year’s draft class and start designing draft scenarios. Athleticism and size around the rim would seem to be top assets the W’s would be looking for and could look at players like Kwahi Leonard or Jan Vesley amongst many others.
For more discussion and analysis of the Warriors pick head over to our W’s blog at Golden State of Mind, and stay with SB Nation Bay Area’s complete coverage of the 2011 NBA Draft.