NBA Draft 2020: Pacific Division Team Needs
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors had the worst record in the NBA last year and were rewarded with the second pick in the NBA Draft. They are, however, projected to be a contender this coming season with the return of their backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
The Warriors have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. Golden State has had a need at the center position for years and have not addressed it yet. James Wiseman is an elite prospect and the Warriors could look at taking him with the second pick.
The Warriors could also try and trade the pick to get a star player to pair with Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green. There have been rumors about the Warriors trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If they have the opportunity to get the back-to-back MVP then they should do it, but the ability to get an elite talent like Wiseman may be too good to pass up. The Warriors are already set for next season, and either drafting a player or trading the pick would be a good decision for one of the best franchises in the NBA.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers were one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA last season, blowing a 3-1 lead over the Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs. They have a lot of moves they need to make if they want to contend next year.
The most glaring need that the Clippers need to address is to find a point guard to run the offense. The Clippers traded their first-round pick in their many moves to win this year, leaving them without a lot of trade assets.
The Clippers will not be a very active team on draft night, but they will need to try and acquire a player like Rajon Rondo to help run the offense next season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are the defending NBA champions, but they are bound to make moves to improve their team before the start of next season. The need they need to fill the most is to find a consistent third-option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Kyle Kuzma did not play well for a lot of last season and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was not a reliable scorer throughout the season as well. The Lakers have been in talks about getting Demar Derozan or Victor Oladipo to pair with James and Davis for next season.
Those two players are great scorers and could help fill the need for a third-option. If the Lakers can gain a third star and fill in the bench with valuable role players, then they would be in the driver’s seat to repeat as the NBA champs.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns had a tremendous run in the bubble, going undefeated and playing great basketball while in Orlando. They did miss the playoffs, but have a good young duo in Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to build around.
Reports are showing that Booker is unhappy with rebuilding and wants to start to contend in the West. The Suns have heard these reports and are trying to make moves to put the Suns in playoff-contention. The one move they have reportedly looked at is trying to trade for Chris Paul.
Paul played extremely well in Oklahoma City last year, looking like the CP3 of the Clippers and New Orleans Hornets. The Suns should not want to give up the 10th pick in the NBA draft in a trade for Paul.
If they can find a way to get Paul to Phoenix and keep their first round pick, then the Suns will have a great deal. They would need to fill the need at the power forward spot, and Aleksej Pokusevski may be the guy to take as he can spread the floor and has the height to defend.
If the Suns can gain Paul and draft Pokusevski at pick 10, then the Suns could immediately contend in the loaded Western conference.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings are in the middle of a rebuild, and they have the assets to get it done. They have the 12th pick in the draft and a lot of assets to trade to contending teams.
The best move for the Kings would be to build around their star guard De’Aaron Fox and make moves to surround him with a young, talented squad. The position the Kings need most is a good small forward to compliment Buddy Hield and Fox.
If they can fill the void at the small forward position and get Fox and Hield another young perimeter threat, then the Kings can really start to bloom as one of the best young teams in the NBA.
Adam Sheetz is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ads360@psu.edu.
