The Golden State Warriors, fresh off a disappointing NBA postseason exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, are clearly reassessing their roster as they navigate a brutal Western Conference. While their glaring need for size and frontcourt depth has been a consistent talking point, a recent “secret scrimmage” has thrown a fascinating curveball into their NBA Draft plans. The Warriors reportedly worked out Ryan Nembhard, a relatively unheralded 5-foot-11 point guard from Gonzaga who shattered NCAA records for assists. Is Golden State secretly eyeing a different kind of impact player, and could this signal a major shift in their draft strategy beyond just finding big men?
The sting of the postseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Timberwolves’ subsequent struggles with size against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, has amplified the discourse around the Warriors’ desperate need for size. The Western Conference is increasingly dominated by towering big men and long, athletic wings, making the Warriors’ traditional small-ball approach a significant challenge. With only the No. 41 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Golden State’s options for acquiring immediate frontcourt help are limited, forcing them to be incredibly strategic.
Interesting name to watch for from the Warriors draft workout tomorrow: Ryan Nembhard
Younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard averaged 10.5 points, 9.8 assists, 1.7 steals and shot 40.4 from 3 as a senior at Gonzaga
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) June 2, 2025
However, a recent workout with Ryan Nembhard from Gonzaga has revealed a more nuanced approach to their draft preparations. Nembhard, standing at a diminutive 5-foot-11, is projected as a late second-round pick or even potentially undrafted due to his size. This instantly makes him an outlier in the conversation surrounding the Warriors’ primary needs. Yet, his presence at a private workout suggests the Warriors are looking beyond just physical stature, prioritizing specific skill sets that align with their offensive philosophy.
What makes Nembhard such an intriguing prospect for Golden State, despite his height disadvantage? His college resume speaks volumes about his elite playmaking ability. Last season, Nembhard wasn’t just good; he led the entire nation with a staggering 9.8 assists per game. This remarkable feat also set a new single-season Gonzaga record with 243 assists, a program that has produced legendary NBA point guards like John Stockton, Jalen Suggs, and Dan Dickau. This is not a small feat. Leading the nation in assists indicates exceptional court vision, advanced passing acumen, and a high basketball IQ – all traits that fit perfectly within the Warriors’ read-and-react offensive system. Beyond his elite passing, Nembhard also averaged 10.5 points, 1.7 steals, and shot an impressive 40.4% from three-point range as a senior, showcasing his well-rounded offensive game and defensive instincts.
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson’s tweet highlighting Nembhard’s workout immediately sparked discussion among Warriors fans. The connection to his older brother, Andrew Nembhard, a 6-foot-5 guard who was drafted 31st overall in 2022 and is now a starter for the Indiana Pacers, adds another layer of intrigue. It suggests a strong basketball lineage and a potential pathway to NBA success despite physical limitations.
While Nembhard’s size remains a deterrent for some NBA teams, his standout qualities – elite vision, precise passing, and a reliable shooting touch – could make him an absolute steal for a Warriors squad seeking to bolster its backcourt depth behind Stephen Curry. Stephen Curry’s minutes are precious, and having a high-IQ floor general who can competently run the offense, facilitate for teammates, and knock down open shots is crucial for maintaining offensive fluidity when the MVP sits. This need is particularly acute given the Warriors’ previous struggles with reliable backup point guard play.
Could Nembhard’s workout be more than just a routine check-in? With the Warriors’ limited draft capital (only pick No. 41), they need to maximize every selection. Taking a chance on a player with record-breaking college production and a clear NBA-level skill set, even if undersized, could be a highly strategic move. It signals a potential “draft shakeup,” where Golden State might prioritize a high-IQ guard who perfectly fits their offensive scheme over simply addressing size needs with a less polished prospect.
The Golden State Warriors’ “secret scrimmage” with Ryan Nembhard is a fascinating development as the NBA Draft approaches. While the team’s primary need for size in the rugged Western Conference is undeniable, their deep interest in a record-breaking, albeit undersized, point guard like Nembhard reveals a broader, more nuanced draft strategy. His elite playmaking, coupled with a solid shooting touch and high basketball IQ, presents a compelling case for Golden State to take a calculated risk at pick No. 41. This move could provide much-needed backup point guard depth, keep the Warriors’ intricate offense humming, and potentially unearth a hidden gem who thrives in their unique system. As the draft draws closer, Ryan Nembhard is undoubtedly a name Warriors fans and NBA analysts should keep a very close eye on. The future of Golden State’s backcourt might just be found in the most unexpected of places.