3 perfect NBA Draft picks for the Golden State Warriors at No. 19

Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Golden State Warriors: 1. Leonard Miller

Miller makes a lot of sense as a target for both the Lakers and Heat who are selecting right before the Warriors, so there is a question about whether he will last until No. 19. But if he’s there, he would give Golden State a lot to think about.

A 6-foot-10 forward with length, athleticism and motor, Miller is an interesting blend of two-way potential. He averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game for the G League Ignite last season, making an impact with energy and his physical tools. There are still a lot of rough edges in his game that needed to be sanded down — stretching his range to the 3-point line, shot selection, and off-ball defensive awareness. But he’s a fantastic rebounder, a good finisher with a nose for the ball, can be a defensive playmaker and has an interesting ball-handling package.

Kevin O’Connor compared him to a leaner Paul Millsap and if he develops his rim protection instincts, I think he could end up as a full-time 4 who both moonlights as a small ball 5 and can handle switching onto wings. At the other end of the floor, his handle and athleticism would let him take advantage of mismatches in a variety of ways from that position.

Miller may not have a ton to offer the Warriors next season, but he could be regular season frontcourt depth and form a fantastic frontline with Kuminga and Moody on the next iteration of this team a few years out.

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