The Rest Of The NBA Is So Lucky That Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry And Klay Thompson Aren’t Playing With This Rookie Next Season

Chris Duarte was sensational for the Indiana Pacers at NBA Summer League, but what if the Golden State Warriors had been able to add him to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson?

Chris Duarte of the Indiana Pacers had an incredible four games at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 24 year old was drafted with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft at the end of July, and averaged 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. 

🏁 19 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL, 4 BLK 🏁

Chris Duarte does it all in the @Pacers MGM Resorts #NBASummer League win! pic.twitter.com/siEGrSQ2A8

— NBA (@NBA) August 13, 2021

What if the Golden State Warriors had been lucky enough to get their hands on him? 

According to J. Michael of the IndyStar, the Warriors had been trying to make a trade after the NBA Draft with the Pacers for Duarte. 

The Tweets from Michael on July 30, can be seen embedded below, and his article can be read in the hyperlink above.

Warriors, Knicks pursue Chris Duarte after #Pacers draft him https://t.co/15O0HS5YTP

— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) July 30, 2021

Golden State, league sources tell @IndyStarSports , is trying to get the #Pacers to part with Duarte. Offering Moody + other assets. They're not budging right now. Duarte was the pick they wanted, too, apparently. Top of their board

— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) July 30, 2021

So, what if the Warriors had been able to trade for him? They also could have drafted him with the seventh overall pick. 

Duarte shot a ridiculous 48.3% (14/29) from the three-point range in four games of the NBA Summer League.

Steph Curry is widely regarded as the most skilled shooter to pick up a basketball, and Klay Thompson is a career 41.9% shooter from deep. 

If the Warriors had been able to get Duarte and he shoots even 40% from the three-point range, the Warriors would have set themselves up with an even more deadly shooting arrangement than they already have. 

It appears the Pacers wisely held onto their new rookie star, and it seems as if he is going to be a very, very talented player in this league.