NBA Draft 2019: Mock Draft 6.0
41. . Big, So.. Georgia. Nic Claxton. 28. player
The Warriors’ center depth has been exposed in the postseason. Kevon Looney, Andrew Bogut and DeMarcus Cousins are all prospective free agents, while neither Damian Jones nor Jordan Bell are suitable starters. Nic Claxton would add an interesting dynamic to the frontcourt.
Few bigs over more potential versatility than Claxton, who spent considerable time at UGA as a secondary ball handler. He got opportunities to push the pace in transition and playmake for others, a skill that could be cultivated nicely in Golden State’s up-tempo system.
Claxton needs to add strength in order to handle physicality in the paint, but his perimeter defense at 7-feet is special. He can get in a stance and contain guards off the dribble, possessing immense upside as a switch defender at the next level. He’s very much a modern five.