Photo: EuroLeague Basketball

Usman Garuba had a great season with Real Madrid during the 2021-22 campaign, helping the team to reach the ACB Finals and the EuroLeague postseason.

In the latest mock draft from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, Garuba is projected to go to the Golden State Warriors at No. 14 overall.

(via The Ringer):

Draymond Green took James Wiseman under his wing last season, a positive showing of leadership for the franchise. But Garuba might be a better protege for Green because he’s also a small-ball center with a relentless attitude. Though playing them together wouldn’t be feasible for the Warriors due to their lack of shooting ability, he’d be the perfect backup and, someday, a potential replacement.

Garuba has improved his stock in the NBA Draft after performing on the highest level with Real Madrid the past season. He started in 20 of the 39 games in the EuroLeague, being also an important part of the rotation in the best of five series vs. Efes.

The 19-years old small-ball center recorded a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds in Game 4 of the series against the -later- EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes.

During 36 games with Real Madrid in the Liga ACB, the 19-year-old averaged 5.6 points on 46.1% shooting from the field with 5.3 boards and 1.1 assists per contest.