As the confetti settled from the OKC Thunder’s championship parade, signaling the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, the league’s attention swiftly pivoted to the NBA Draft. For the Golden State Warriors, this two-day event offers a golden opportunity to bolster their roster and cement their status as contenders. With Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green leading the charge, the Warriors are a force to be reckoned with—but their offseason moves, starting with the draft, will determine whether they can reclaim their throne.
The Warriors hold the No. 41 pick in the second round, a seemingly modest selection that could yield a game-changing bench player. According to a recent mock draft by Clutch Points, Golden State is eyeing Marquette’s dynamic guard Kam Jones to fill a lingering void left by the 2023 trade of Jordan Poole. Jones, a seasoned four-year college star, could be the secret weapon the Warriors need to round out their rotation and erase the shadow of Poole’s departure.
“Jones could theoretically fill the void that Golden State has been looking to fill since trading Jordan Poole in 2023,” Clutch Points noted. “After all, Jones can play with or without the ball in his hands, and he averaged 19.2 points per game at Marquette this past year while also averaging 5.9 assists.”
At 6-foot-4, Jones brings a versatile skill set that perfectly aligns with the Warriors’ needs. His senior season at Marquette was a masterclass in efficiency and leadership, averaging 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game across 137 career appearances, including 113 starts. Whether creating his own shot or facilitating for teammates, Jones thrives in high-pressure situations, making him an ideal fit for Golden State’s fast-paced, unselfish system.
The Warriors’ backcourt has felt the sting of Poole’s absence, particularly during the non-Curry minutes when the offense can stagnate. Enter Jimmy Butler, the pass-first maestro who serves as the offensive hub when Curry rests. Pairing Butler with a scoring guard like Jones could unlock new dimensions for the Warriors’ second unit, providing the spark and playmaking needed to keep defenses on their heels.
Interestingly, the Warriors’ pursuit of Jones coincides with Poole’s latest move. The former Golden State champion, traded to the Washington Wizards in 2023, was recently shipped to the New Orleans Pelicans just before the draft. The timing feels almost poetic, as the Warriors look to turn the page on Poole’s legacy with a fresh face ready to make his mark.
Drafting Jones at No. 41 would be a steal for Golden State, adding a cost-effective, high-upside player to a roster brimming with championship aspirations. As the Warriors navigate a pivotal offseason, all eyes will be on whether this Marquette star can step into the spotlight and help propel Golden State back to glory. The NBA Draft is just the beginning—Kam Jones might be the key to unlocking the Warriors’ next dynasty.