The Golden State Warriors are reportedly casting their gaze towards the upcoming NBA Draft, with Duke’s Sion James emerging as a potential target. This interest aligns with a growing narrative around the Warriors: a strategic shift away from their celebrated “small-ball” identity towards a more conventional roster that emphasizes athleticism and size. The question, however, is whether James, projected as a second-round pick, can truly contribute to a “win-now” team like Golden State and what his role might be.
For years, the Warriors revolutionized the NBA with their small-ball lineups, featuring Draymond Green at center, surrounded by elite shooters and versatile defenders. This strategy, predicated on speed, shooting, and collective defensive effort, brought four championships. However, as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Green have aged, and the league has seen a resurgence of dominant big men and physically imposing wings, the limitations of this approach have become more apparent. The Warriors have struggled to consistently match the physicality and rebounding prowess of top-tier opponents, leading to a recognized need for more traditional size and athleticism across the roster.
This desire for a new identity, one centered on athleticism and size, was hinted at with their reported pursuit of Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu and the recent acquisition of Walker Kessler. Now, their attention seems to be turning to the draft, where Sion James presents an intriguing, albeit less high-profile, option.
Sion James is a 6-foot-6, 220-pound guard/wing who spent four years at Tulane before transferring to Duke for his final collegiate season (2024-25). His statistical profile and scouting reports paint a clear picture of a player who could fill a specific, valuable role in the modern NBA: a “3-and-D” wing with a high basketball IQ and physical toughness.
At Duke, James averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. What stands out is his improved shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. After hovering around 30-38% from three-point range during his time at Tulane, he shot an impressive 41.3% from deep in his senior year at Duke on limited attempts. This improvement is crucial, as reliable three-point shooting is a non-negotiable skill for any player hoping to earn minutes alongside Stephen Curry.
However, James’s primary calling card is his defense. He’s a switchable defender capable of guarding multiple positions, from guards to forwards, thanks to his robust build and high motor. His 7-foot-1 wingspan (as measured at the combine) and physical strength allow him to hold his ground against bigger players. He consistently showcases a high basketball IQ on the defensive end, demonstrating strong rotations, getting into passing lanes, and providing timely help. Scouts have noted his relentless competitiveness and willingness to take on tough defensive assignments, traits that align perfectly with the Warriors’ defensive principles. He also excelled at the NBA Draft Combine, showing his athleticism with a fast three-quarter sprint and impressive vertical leaps, reinforcing his physical readiness for the NBA.
The question for the Golden State Warriors is, will Sion James be enough to truly revamp their frontcourt and move towards a more conventional, size-and-athleticism-based roster?
While James brings defensive versatility and improved shooting, he is not a traditional frontcourt player in the mold of a power forward or center. He is more of a wing defender. The Warriors’ “abandonment” of small-ball suggests a need for more true size, particularly at the four and five spots. While James provides positional size for a guard/wing, he doesn’t address the primary need for rebounding and interior defense that a center like Okongwu or Kessler would.
The Warriors hold the 41st overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a second-round selection. James is projected to be available in the second round, potentially making him a “steal” if he falls to them. For a team with limited draft capital and a high payroll, finding immediate contributors on cost-controlled rookie deals is essential. James’s college experience (153 games played, 139 starts) and maturity (he’ll be 23 in December) suggest he’s not a long-term project and could potentially contribute right away, which is valuable for a veteran team aiming for a championship.
If the Warriors are truly committed to a larger, more athletic identity, securing a true big man through trade (like Okongwu or Kessler, if that deal wasn’t just a rumor) would be the primary step. Drafting James would then be a complementary move, adding another versatile defender to their wing rotation, allowing them to better match up with the influx of talented, physical wings in the league. He could potentially fill a role similar to an Aaron Nesmith, a 3-and-D player who provides toughness and energy off the bench.
The challenge for the Warriors is balancing their immediate championship aspirations with the need to rebuild and infuse youth into an aging roster. Drafting a player like James, who could step into a rotational role quickly, is a sensible approach for a second-round pick. However, he alone will not transform their frontcourt. The success of their strategic shift will depend on their ability to acquire more substantial size through trades or free agency, beyond what a second-round wing can provide.
Ultimately, Sion James appears to be a solid draft target for the Warriors. He brings attributes they value – defense, improved shooting, maturity, and a high motor. But while he could be a valuable “nice piece” in their revamped identity, he alone won’t be the answer to their overarching desire for a more conventional, size-and-athleticism-driven frontcourt. He would be a strong complementary piece to bigger moves designed to truly reshape the Warriors’ roster.
