The Golden State Warriors took North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes with the #7 pick in the NBA Draft.

“I’m very excited.  I’m just truly blessed.” said Barnes.  “It’s a very first-class organization and I can’t wait to get out there and play for them.”

Barnes was long-considered one of the top prospects in the NCAA but after a second season with the Tar Heels, his stock dipped.

The Warriors needed a small forward and Barnes is a very solid selection at seven.  He’ll likely join Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, David Lee and Andrew Bogut in the starting lineup.

Barnes is a capable scorer who should fit in well with Golden State with a number of players to share the offensive load with.  Harrison is going to fit in well with the Warriors’ talent.  He might have had a more difficult time on a team where he was the lone or primary scorer trying to carry the load.

Given that he didn’t live up to expectations in his second season, he may exceed them in the NBA in Oakland.

The Warriors have been competitive over recent years but not enough to make the playoffs.  The addition of Bogut (who was traded midseason but was injured) and Barnes should help push Golden State close to contention in the West.

Will it be enough to make them top eight?

Regardless, Barnes is a high-value pick at #7 for the Warriors.

“I will tell you we’re thrilled. We love this player. We love him for our team,” said Warriors GM Bob Myers, thanks to Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News for his transcription.

“We’re thrilled. He’s got great value and we’re excited. He fits what we need,” continued Myers.  You guys will love him. A great kid, great player. We’re just excited. But we’re not done. As you all know, we still have three more picks.”

The Warriors also select 30th in the first round and also 35th and 52nd in the second.

Whether they keep all four picks remains to be seen, there’s been some buzz the Warriors might package the 30th and 35th for a veteran.

For some back-story on Harrison, check out an earlier HOOSPWORLD piece (NBA PM: Finding the Fit for Harrison Barnes).