The Golden State Warriors will pick 11th in the 2026 NBA Draft after the league released its updated lottery order on Sunday. Finishing the regular season at 37-45, the Warriors secured the 11th lottery slot in a season that ended in the play-in tournament. While they were not among the teams with the highest odds, the result keeps them in range for a potential impact addition at a pivotal moment in the Stephen Curry era.
The NBA Draft Lottery determined the top four selections, with the Washington Wizards earning the No. 1 pick, the Utah Jazz landing at No. 2, the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3, and the Chicago Bulls at No. 4. The remaining lottery teams, including Golden State, will select in reverse order of their regular-season records. The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/warriors/status/2053555252625113165
Golden State entered the lottery with a 9.4% chance of jumping into the top four, according to pre-lottery projections. Although that leap did not materialize, the No. 11 position still offers a meaningful opportunity to address long-term roster needs. The Warriors officially confirmed the news on social media, posting: “#DubNation, we officially hold the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.”
ESPN Mock Draft Connects Warriors to International Prospect Karim Lopez
With the draft process now shifting into high gear, early mock drafts are already generating discussion around Golden State’s selection. ESPN’s latest mock draft, published Thursday, projects the Warriors to select Karim Lopez at No. 11. The 19-year-old, 6-foot-8 forward has gained professional experience playing in New Zealand, bringing a blend of size, athleticism, and exposure to older competition that could appeal to Golden State’s front office.
Lopez represents a classic high-upside developmental pick rather than an immediate rotation contributor. His wingspan and physical tools align with the Warriors’ need for more long-term athleticism and versatility around core veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. While he may not provide instant “win-now” impact, Lopez’s youth and potential fit the profile of a player who could grow into a meaningful contributor over the next three to five years.
The upcoming NBA Draft Combine (May 10-17 in Chicago) will offer Warriors scouts and fans a closer look at Lopez and other prospects. Golden State’s decision at No. 11 could hinge on whether the front office prioritizes immediate readiness, shooting, and defensive reliability—or leans toward betting on raw talent and future growth.
Steve Kerr’s Extension Adds Clarity and Raises the Stakes
Compounding the importance of the draft pick is head coach Steve Kerr’s new two-year contract extension. Following conversations with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy, Kerr’s return signals that the Warriors are not fully pivoting into a traditional rebuild. Instead, they continue pursuing a delicate balance: remaining competitive in the present while injecting youth that can extend the franchise’s championship window.
Kerr’s commitment removes a major layer of uncertainty heading into the offseason. The No. 11 pick now carries added weight. Golden State could retain the selection and target a prospect who fits Kerr’s motion offense and defensive schemes, or explore using it as a trade asset to acquire a veteran who provides a more immediate boost.
Either path reflects the franchise’s current reality. After a 37-45 campaign, the Warriors are motivated to retool thoughtfully rather than tear things down. The draft pick becomes either a building block for the future or a valuable piece in a larger deal designed to maximize Curry’s remaining elite years.
As the pre-draft process intensifies, all eyes will be on how Golden State approaches this selection. Whether they stay at 11 and draft a player like Karim Lopez or leverage the pick for a different direction, the decision will help define the next chapter for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.