2018 NBA Mock Draft: Time for the Final Four

Fit is a very important factor for me when measuring and considering NBA draft prospects, and Tillie’s ability to translate his stretch big role directly into the NBA is a big reason he has stayed in the first round for me all season.

Especially for the Warriors, who could lose Omri Casspi and Nick Young next season, finding young shooting rather than veteran re-treads each season should be a high priority. While Golden State has been successful finding center depth and play-making in the draft and out of the G-League, the majority of their bench shooters come on the buyout market or by convincing a veteran to take less money. That luck might not hold up forever.

In Tillie, the Warriors have a floor-spacer with plus mobility and offensive intelligence, someone who would look even better in their flow system. Tillie is a threat to drive or shoot when the ball comes to him, and with the incredible passing and shooting already on the Warriors’ roster, his life would be even easier than it has over two seasons at Gonzaga.

Golden State already had to move on from James Michael McAdoo last summer, and will face a similar decision on Kevon Looney this July. Those guys are luxuries until it comes time to replace them, and coach Steve Kerr mentions the Warriors’ need for multiple different players at center without the money to pay an all-around stud.

Tillie would bring another element to that rotation.