Members of the Golden State Warriors coaching staff strongly favored Franz Wagner over Jonathan Kuminga with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but owner Joe Lacob ultimately pushed for Kuminga.
Coaches who attended Wagner’s pre-draft workout believed he would be an ideal fit in Steve Kerr’s system.
Wagner was selected one spot later by the Orlando Magic and has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the past three seasons, earning a max contract as a franchise cornerstone alongside Paolo Banchero.
Before the draft, Lacob and then-GM Bob Myers visited Kuminga in Miami, where then-assistant Kenny Atkinson ran his workout and remained a strong supporter.
When both prospects were available at No. 7, Lacob advocated for Kuminga, while Myers and assistant GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. did not object.
“Bob and I have felt for several years that we’ve needed physicality,” Lacob stated that night. “Athleticism and physicality. That’s what really excites me about him.”
The decision later became a point of internal tension, viewed by some as an example of Lacob’s active role in roster decisions during the post-Kevin Durant era.
Kerr was largely uninvolved in the draft process due to his commitments with Team USA ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
Golden State held two lottery picks that year, including one acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the D’Angelo Russell trade for Andrew Wiggins.
Kuminga’s tenure ended last week when he was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis.
Warriors Coaching Staff Preferred Franz Wagner Over Jonathan Kuminga In 2021 Draft https://t.co/JP13LoIUzw
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 11, 2026
