2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: How the picks should fall
14. player. 41. . SG. Golden State Warriors. Chris Duarte
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 14. Chris Duarte, Golden State Warriors
Chris Duarte is 24, making him the oldest projected first-round pick. That shouldn’t dissuade Golden State, a team very much prepared to win now. Duarte gives them another shooter in the second unit, as well as a heady passer and defender at 6-foot-6.
The Warriors’ backcourt is as strong as any in the league, but neither Stephen Curry nor Klay Thompson are far removed from lingering injuries. Also, the bench was painfully short on shooting last season. Thompson’s return will alleviate a lot of Golden State’s offensive kinks, but having used the No. 7 pick on a non-spacer, it’s wise to use this pick on a shooter.
Duarte plays a smart, tough brand of basketball. He doesn’t domineer possessions and would have no trouble fitting into the Warriors’ movement-heavy offense. He’s good enough to earn a rotation spot right away.