Golden State Warriors 2015 NBA Season Preview
Draft Picks
As the NBA Champions, the Warriors were obviously handed the final pick of the first round in the 2015 NBA Draft. While some teams may have just shrugged and picked the highest rated guy left on the board, the Warriors were able to find serious value at their low draft position when 19-year-old forward Kevon Looney out of UCLA fell into their laps.
A-. <p>Looney is far from a perfect prospect as he needs to grow as an offensive player. He’s almost completely inept at creating his own shot, particularly if he were going up against NBA defenses. However, he’s still incredibly young and the measurable and skills are there to where that type of development isn’t far-fetched.</p> <p>More importantly, Looney comes in as the 30<sup>th</sup> overall pick already possessing discernable NBA skills. For one, he could be an elite two-way rebounder in the NBA eventually as his speed, length, and instincts showed through on the boards during his time with the Bruins. Moreover, those same strengths seem to indicate that Looney could be a quality defender at the pro level, able to defend multiple positions.</p> <p>Unfortunately for the Warriors, Looney’s development will be slightly delayed as he underwent arthroscopic hip surgery at the end of August. The surgery will keep him out of action for four-to-six points, so we probably won’t see him this season given that timetable and his lack of experience. Still, the Warriors got a steal from a draft position that doesn’t always offer tremendous talent.</p>. PF. UCLA Bruins. KEVON LOONEY
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