NBA Draft 2024: 22YO Wyoming Star Could Settle Warriors’ Dilemma Amid Klay Thompson Exit Rumors

The Golden State Warriors have gone through 24 prospects in the hopes of finding a potential replacement for Klay Thompson. With the Bay Area franchise and Thompson yet to agree on a deal, the chances of the veteran sharpshooter staying back are dwindling. In fact, as per Anthony Slater of The Athletic, has not made any notable move toward a new deal.

Under such circumstances, it is only natural that the Dubs will look to make the best decision in the upcoming draft. Adding to the pressure is the only pick they have in the 2024-25 season is the 52nd. As such, they are looking for a particular type. Someone who is preferably NBA-ready and carries a few skills or two.

Taking all of this into consideration, 17 of their 24 prospects were youngsters who played four collegiate years or more. While there have been more prominent names like Jalen Bridges of Baylor, Isaiah Crawford of Louisiana Tech, and more, who have been predicted as top candidates, Jason Dumas of Kron4 has a different pick. A 22-year-old rising star from the University of Wyoming – Sam Griffin.

So who is this top NBA prospect who could probably be just what the doctor ordered for the Warriors?

Sam Griffin of the Wyoming Cowboys – a potential Klay Thompson replacement

Standing at 6’3, the 183-pound guard hails from Miami. According to Dumas, he was also part of the pre-draft workout, shooting 46.5% on catch-and-shoot threes. Griffin has been nothing short of impressive in his collegiate years. He led the Cowboys in scoring last season at 16.9 points as well as assists with 3.4 per night. The young guard also ranked in the top-5 of the conference with 76 made three pointers.

Moreover, the media named Griffin Third Team All-Mountain West, and the league coaches gave him Honorable Mention. More recently, he was honored with a chance to showcase his skills in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. It ran through April 17-20. As the oldest amateur basketball tournament for college seniors, it allows players to showcase their skills to NBA and international scouts, with top players getting a direct invite to the NBA Combine.

If the Warriors do come to a deal with Klay Thompson, we wouldn’t be seeing the Splash Brother we are all familiar with prior to the injuries. The chances of him taking on a Sixth Man role are a very likely scenario. After all, he did thrive in that this season. But he also proved that he can easily step up if there is a need to.

Anyway, if the Dubs are to make a title run, they will have to do so when Stephen Curry is still playing at an elite level. And hopefully, before he hangs his boots for good.