The Golden State Warriors might be sitting on the NBA Draft’s most underrated goldmine—and they’re poised to pounce. With only the 41st overall pick remaining after swinging a high-profile trade involving Jimmy Butler, Golden State appears ready to gamble smartly on a high-upside sniper from Kentucky: Koby Brea.
In a 2025 draft class that’s taken a major talent hit—largely due to college stars opting for lucrative NIL returns instead of going pro—second-round gems are few and far between. But that hasn’t stopped mock drafts and analysts from buzzing about the Warriors’ potential move. According to USA Today’s latest mock draft, Steve Kerr’s team could steal the spotlight by grabbing Brea—a 6’6″ wing with laser accuracy from beyond the arc.
After four seasons with Dayton, Brea made a power move to Kentucky, using his final year of eligibility to prove he’s more than just a catch-and-shoot specialist. He delivered 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 36 games, all while maintaining elite shooting percentages. His 43.5% clip from three on high volume isn’t just good—it’s Warriors-worthy.
Golden State’s front office has been crystal clear about their priorities heading into the draft. They’re not hunting for a long-term project—they want someone who can contribute right now. “The direction is obvious,” said one source close to the Warriors’ pre-draft process. “They’re scouting older college players who can slide into a playoff rotation tomorrow.”
And Brea fits the bill perfectly. Not only does he bring floor-spacing, but he also addresses one of the most glaring issues the Warriors faced last season: bench shooting. At Dayton, Brea shot an unbelievable 49.8% from beyond the arc—off the bench. That’s not just efficient—that’s microwave scoring potential in its purest form.
According to Kevin O’Connor, Senior NBA Analyst at Yahoo Sports, Brea “has NBA range with a quick release, plus the footwork to shoot off movement actions.” Translation? He’s tailor-made for Golden State’s free-flowing, motion-heavy offense.
But while his offensive profile reads like a dream for Dub Nation, it’s not all smooth sailing. Brea’s defensive limitations are glaring. His slender 174-pound frame and slow lateral movement make him a liability on the other end. Staying in front of quicker, stronger NBA guards will be a steep learning curve.
Still, the Warriors may see Brea as a young Moses Moody-type—a player with enough offensive firepower to carve out a role while the defense develops. In fact, Brea’s arrival could be strategically timed if the front office chooses to move Moody in a larger offseason deal. It’s a high-risk, high-reward calculation—but one the Warriors have made before.
At just 22 years old, Koby Brea brings more than a smooth jumper—he offers Golden State a chance to stretch the floor, fire up their bench unit, and perhaps most importantly, squeeze elite value out of the NBA Draft’s overlooked middle ground.
If the Warriors pull the trigger, fans might look back on this second-round pick as the stealth move that reloaded their championship window.
