The Golden State Warriors, a franchise synonymous with meticulous player development and strategic acquisitions, once faced a pivotal decision that could have significantly altered their trajectory: the opportunity to draft future NBA star Jalen Brunson. This moment, largely unnoticed at the time, represents a fascinating ‘what if’ in the recent history of the league, shedding light on the complexities of NBA draft choices and talent evaluation.
Instead of Brunson, the Warriors selected Jacob Evans in the 2018 NBA Draft, a move that, in hindsight, did not yield the anticipated returns. Evans’s tenure with the team was brief and largely unproductive, concluding with modest averages of 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds per contest over 57 games, struggling with shooting efficiency from both the field and beyond the arc. His statistical output underscored a challenging fit within the Warriors’ high-octane offensive system.
Concurrently, Jalen Brunson, a highly regarded guard from Villanova known for his leadership and scoring prowess, was ultimately picked much later in the same draft. His collegiate career showcased a consistent ability to perform under pressure, leading his team to a national championship, which perhaps signaled a more immediate impact player than initially perceived by some NBA front offices.
Brunson’s journey post-draft sharply contrasted with Evans’s. After being selected by the Dallas Mavericks, he steadily developed into a pivotal player, demonstrating exceptional court vision, clutch scoring, and tenacious defense. His remarkable ascent culminated in him becoming a cornerstone player for the New York Knicks, where he has consistently performed at an All-Star level, driving his team’s success and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier guards.
Imagining Brunson in a Golden State Warriors uniform presents an intriguing scenario. His skillset, particularly his ability to create his own shot and operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations, could have provided a dynamic backcourt complement to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, potentially extending the Warriors’ championship window or offering crucial depth during periods of injury. The missed opportunity highlights how a single draft decision can reverberate through years of team building.
The NBA Draft remains an imperfect science, fraught with uncertainties and the challenge of projecting collegiate talent onto the professional stage. Teams often weigh immediate needs against long-term potential, and unforeseen player development curves can dramatically alter initial assessments. The case of the Golden State Warriors passing on Jalen Brunson serves as a powerful reminder of these inherent difficulties and the fine margins that separate franchise-altering decisions.
Ultimately, while the Warriors continued their dynastic run, the narrative of Jalen Brunson’s rise from a late second-round pick to an NBA sensation offers a compelling counterfactual. It leaves fans and analysts alike to ponder what could have been if the Golden State Warriors had embraced a different path on that fateful draft night, showcasing the enduring impact of seemingly minor choices in the high-stakes world of professional basketball.
