The Golden State Warriors have built a dynasty on one core principle: shoot the damn ball — and shoot it a lot. With Stephen Curry still leading the charge (even as the roster evolves around younger pieces), the emphasis on high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooting isn’t going anywhere. But to sustain that identity long-term, especially with questions about athleticism, defense, and wing depth, the Warriors need more length on the perimeter that can space the floor without being a liability elsewhere.
Enter the 2026 NBA Draft — widely regarded as one of the deepest classes in recent memory, loaded with wings, guards, and bigs who can shoot. Golden State, projected around the No. 16 pick (based on current lottery simulations and standings), has a real shot at landing a high-upside shooter who checks multiple boxes.
In Ricky O’Donnell’s latest SB Nation mock draft, the Warriors select Cameron Carr, the breakout sophomore guard from Baylor, at No. 16 overall. O’Donnell highlights exactly why Carr fits the Warriors’ mold: “Carr’s 7’2 wingspan and 41 percent three-point stroke will earn him plenty of fans in NBA front offices. He’s painfully skinny right now and I’m not sold on his ability to attack off the dribble or his defense. But his production has been outstanding, and it’s very hard to find wing shooters with this type of length.”
Carr’s Explosive College Breakout at Baylor
The 6’5″ (listed at times up to 6’5″ with 175-190 lbs frame) shooting guard from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, transferred to Baylor after a brief, injury-plagued stint at Tennessee. This season (2025-26), as a redshirt sophomore/junior-eligible prospect, Carr has erupted:
Averaging around 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game across 25 contests (per Sports-Reference and ESPN data).
Shooting splits: 50.9% FG, 40.0% from three on 5.6 attempts per game, 77.7% FT.
He’s a volume scorer with efficiency: 6.4 FGM on 12.6 attempts, plus solid rebounding for his size (5.8 RPG) and flashes of defensive activity (1.4 blocks, 0.8 steals per game).
His father, Chris Carr, played six NBA seasons and was a standout dunker — athletic bloodline is there. Carr’s 7’2″ wingspan gives him outlier length for a 6’5″ wing, allowing him to contest shots, deflect passes, and finish over defenders despite his rail-thin build.
The production is real: He’s been one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in college hoops, posting true shooting percentages north of 65% in stretches, with explosive leaping (multiple highlight dunks) and a smooth pull-up from deep.
Why Carr Fits the Warriors’ System Like a Glove
Golden State’s offense thrives on spacing, off-ball movement, and shooters who can punish help defense. Carr’s 40%+ three-point shooting on decent volume screams “plug-and-play” potential in Steve Kerr’s motion sets — think a longer, more athletic version of early Klay Thompson or Andrew Wiggins types, but with better shooting pedigree out of college.
The length is the differentiator: In a league increasingly valuing versatile wings who can switch 1-4 and contest without fouling, a 7’2″ wingspan at 6’5″ is rare. Even if he’s “painfully skinny” now (175-190 lbs depending on sources), NBA strength programs can add 20-30 pounds without sacrificing quickness. If he bulks up and refines his handle/defense, he could develop into a 3-and-D rotational piece who spaces for Curry/Podziemski/Moody while providing switchability.
Concerns? The frame needs filling out — he’s lanky and can get bullied inside. Ball-handling and creation off the dribble are works in progress, and defense is raw (technique over tools). But at No. 16 in a deep class, the upside outweighs the risks for a team like Golden State that develops shooters well (see: Podziemski, Kuminga growth).
The Bigger Picture for Golden State’s Draft Strategy
With their own first-round pick intact (no major protections outgoing), the Warriors aren’t tanking — they’re contending while planning ahead. This draft offers wings galore, but few combine Carr’s shooting volume, efficiency, and length. If he’s there at 16, GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. would be hard-pressed to pass.
Even if the pick slides or they trade up/down, the message is clear: Prioritize wing shooting with size. The dynasty isn’t over — it’s evolving. Adding a prospect like Carr could extend the window, giving Kerr another weapon to stretch defenses for years.
Warriors fans: Imagine Carr running off screens, catching fire from deep with that wingspan contesting the other end. Dream scenario? Drop your thoughts — would you love this pick at 16, or target someone else in this stacked class? Share and tag a Dubs fan!