The Golden State Warriors have found their next potential star in the latest NBA mock draft from Bleacher Report—and it's not the name you might expect. After previously projecting the Warriors to land BYU's AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, analyst Jonathan Wasserman has shuffled the deck in his newest edition. This time, the Miami Heat leap to the top spot and snag Dybantsa, dropping the Warriors back to their more realistic pick at No. 11 overall.
With that shift, Wasserman pairs Golden State with Tennessee freshman standout Nate Ament—a 6'10" wing who brings a tantalizing blend of size and skill to the table. Described as a potential "mismatch and three-level scorer," Ament has the tools to thrive in the modern NBA, even if some questions remain about his consistency.
Ament's postseason was a mixed bag, but it also showcased his undeniable talent. He flashed shot-making creativity and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, though he struggled at times converting drives and handling physical defense. Still, there's always a premium on 6'10" wings who can shoot, dribble, and pass—and Ament fits that mold perfectly.
His stats back up the hype: Ament has knocked down at least 19 field goals in ball-screen, isolation, spot-up, and movement off-screen situations. He gets to the free-throw line at a strong rate and isn't a ball-stopper, averaging 2.3 assists per game. The main concerns? Questions about his explosion and strength when turning the corner and finishing at the rim. But the upside is clear—a player who can get his shot off cleanly at will, thanks to his height and high release point.
In his freshman season at Tennessee, Ament helped lead the Volunteers to an Elite Eight appearance, averaging 16.7 points on 39.9% shooting, along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 29.7 minutes per game. He earned second-team All-SEC honors and a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team. Ament scored 25 or more points in five games, including three 29-point outings that marked his career high.
For Warriors fans, this pick represents a classic blend of potential and patience—a long, skilled wing who could develop into a key piece alongside the team's core. Whether he becomes that three-level scorer remains to be seen, but the foundation is certainly there.