Predictions on Warriors’ two picks in the 2026 draft
The Golden State Warriors entered the 2026 NBA Draft with uncertainty surrounding their lottery odds, but after the May 10 lottery results, they landed the 11th overall pick. While there was a 9.4 percent chance they could jump into the top four, the team stayed put at No. 11, with their second-round selection locked in at 54th overall.
With the 11th pick, the Warriors selected PG Labaron Philon Jr. from Alabama — a move that signals a clear intent to inject explosive, young scoring talent into the backcourt as they prepare for the post-Stephen Curry era.
First Round Recap (Predicted)
Before addressing Golden State’s selection, here’s how the first ten picks shook out:
- Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa
- Pacers: G Darryn Peterson
- Nets: C Cam Boozer
- Jazz: F Caleb Wilson
- Kings: G Keaton Wagler
- Grizzlies: G Darius Acuff Jr.
- Hawks: G Kingston Flemings
- Mavericks: G Mikel Brown
- Bulls: G Brayden Burries
- Bucks: SF Karim Lopez
At No. 11, several intriguing prospects remained on the board, including PF Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan), SF Nate Ament (Tennessee), and centers Aday Mara, Jayden Quaintance, and Hannes Steinbach. However, the Warriors opted for the high-upside guard.
Why Labaron Philon Jr.?
Team governor Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. were reportedly drawn to Philon’s youth and star potential. At just 20 years old, the Alabama sophomore put up eye-popping numbers in the 2025-26 season: 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.1% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range.
Philon is not a traditional floor general — he’s a scoring guard with elite dribble package, creativity off the bounce, and genuine shot-making ability at all three levels. That profile fits perfectly with what the Warriors have historically valued. When they won the 2022 championship, Jordan Poole proved how valuable a dynamic scoring guard could be when surrounded by elite defenders and playmakers.
The comparison feels especially relevant now. The Warriors have long searched for the next guard capable of creating off the dribble besides Stephen Curry. Philon brings exactly that threat — a fearless attacker who can break down defenses and finish with flair.
“He has zero conscience,” one scouting source said privately. “He can score in bunches, and he doesn’t hesitate.”
Addressing the Fit Concerns
Pairing a 6’4″, 185-pound 20-year-old with defensive questions alongside Curry for the final chapters of the future Hall of Famer’s career isn’t flawless. Philon’s defensive lapses were evident during his college career. However, the Warriors believe his offensive upside outweighs those concerns in the long term.
For the 2026-27 season, the plan is straightforward: Philon will primarily run the second unit, developing his game while Curry rests. With Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, and LJ Cryer already on the roster, the guard rotation has depth. The bigger need lies at forward, which the Warriors addressed later.
Second-Round Selection: Malik Reneau
At No. 54 overall, Golden State added PF Malik Reneau from Miami. The 6’9″, 238-pound forward brings much-needed size and physicality to the frontcourt. Though he shot just 34.7% from three in his senior season, the Warriors are betting on developmental spacing improvements. If Reneau can become a serviceable stretch-four, his solid defensive instincts and frame will make him a valuable rotation piece alongside Draymond Green and Gui Santos — especially with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody dealing with injuries.
The Post-Steph Era Is Coming — And It Might Be Shocking
Selecting Labaron Philon Jr. sends a clear message: the Warriors are not content to merely extend their contention window — they are actively building the foundation for life after Stephen Curry.
Philon’s combination of scoring instincts, advanced ball-handling, and youth gives Golden State a legitimate high-upside prospect who could develop into their next franchise-level scorer. The post-Steph era, once feared as a painful transition, now carries legitimate excitement.
If Philon’s college production translates even partially to the NBA, Warriors fans may look back at the 2026 draft as the moment the franchise secured its next star guard.
The future just got a little more electric in the Bay Area.