The Golden State Warriors have long been known for their keen eye in identifying undervalued talent, especially in the later stages of the NBA Draft. As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, rumors are swirling that the franchise has taken a particular interest in Duke Blue Devils’ versatile guard Sion James. The question now is whether the 6’5” senior will still be available when the Warriors make their selection at the 41st overall pick.
James, who spent four years at Tulane before transferring to Duke for his final collegiate season, isn’t the flashiest name in this year’s draft class. However, his well-rounded skill set, defensive tenacity, and high basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect for a team like Golden State, which thrives on versatility and intelligence. The Warriors have historically valued players who can contribute immediately in specific roles while also possessing the potential to grow within their system. James fits that mold perfectly.
A Late Bloomer with NBA-Ready Skills
Unlike many draft prospects who declare early, James took the longer route, refining his game over five years in college. At Tulane, he was a consistent contributor, averaging 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in his senior year while shooting an efficient 49.1% from the field. However, it was his decision to transfer to Duke for his final season that truly elevated his stock. Playing under Jon Scheyer in a more structured and high-profile system, James embraced a role as a defensive stopper and secondary playmaker, often guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player while making smart, unselfish plays on offense.
His stats at Duke (8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists) don’t jump off the page, but his impact went far beyond the box score. James was often the glue guy who did the little things—setting solid screens, making the extra pass, and providing relentless energy on both ends. His ability to defend multiple positions (he has the strength to guard wings and the quickness to stay with guards) makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA, where switchability is paramount.
Why the Warriors Might Be Interested
Golden State’s front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., has shown a preference for players who understand team basketball and can contribute without needing the ball in their hands constantly. James fits that description. While he isn’t a knockdown shooter (he shot 34.5% from three at Duke), he has shown steady improvement and possesses a workable enough stroke to keep defenses honest. More importantly, his defensive versatility and high motor would allow Steve Kerr to plug him into different lineups, whether as a secondary ball-handler alongside Stephen Curry or as a defensive specialist in closing lineups.
Another factor working in James’ favor is his maturity. At 23 years old, he’s older than most prospects, meaning he could step in right away and contribute without the usual rookie growing pains. The Warriors, who are still in win-now mode with Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson (assuming he re-signs), don’t have the luxury of waiting years for a draft pick to develop. James’ readiness to play a role immediately makes him an attractive option.
Will He Be Available at 41?
This is where things get tricky. While James isn’t projected as a first-round pick, his combination of size, defensive prowess, and experience could make him a target for teams in the early second round. Organizations like the San Antonio Spurs (35th pick), Indiana Pacers (36th), or Minnesota Timberwolves (37th) could all see value in adding a player like James, especially if they prioritize winning over long-term upside.
However, the draft is unpredictable. Some teams may prioritize younger, higher-ceiling prospects, while others might focus on filling specific needs (shooting, rim protection, etc.), leaving James on the board longer than expected. If he does slip into the 40s, the Warriors would likely pounce. Golden State has a history of finding gems in this range—see Eric Paschall (41st in 2019) or even Kevon Looney (30th in 2015, though slightly earlier). James could be the latest under-the-radar addition to bolster their rotation.
How He Fits in Golden State’s System
If drafted by the Warriors, James wouldn’t be expected to carry a heavy offensive load. Instead, he’d likely slot into a role similar to what Gary Payton II provided during their 2022 championship run—a defensive disruptor who can finish in transition, cut intelligently, and knock down open shots when available. His ability to handle the ball in a pinch would also allow Curry and others to play more off-ball, a key component of Kerr’s motion offense.
Defensively, James could be a nightmare in Golden State’s switch-heavy scheme. His combination of length (6’10” wingspan) and lateral quickness would allow him to guard point guards through small forwards, giving the Warriors another versatile piece alongside Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. In a Western Conference loaded with elite perimeter scorers (Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, etc.), having another capable defender would be invaluable.
Potential Concerns
Of course, no prospect is perfect, and James does have areas of his game that need refinement. His three-point shooting, while improved, is still inconsistent, and he’ll need to prove he can be a reliable floor-spacer at the NBA level. Additionally, while he’s a solid playmaker, he’s not a true point guard, meaning he may struggle to create his own shot against NBA-level defenders.
