As you all may or may not know, the NBA Draft is a week from today, next Thursday the 24th. As of right now, the T-Wolves have three first round picks (#4, #16, and #23.) What’s going to happen? Who should we draft? Who do you want us to draft? Should we trade any of the picks? Try to move up from #4? Move down from #4? Try and trade our crappy players for even MORE picks? (Bwahahaha!) The possibilities are nearly endless.
We don’t know what’s going to happen, and I’m not sure that even Kahn yet knows what he’s going to do. Who knows what opportunity could present itself for this team between now and the end of the draft. Could the golden ticket that will turn this woebegone franchise around be out there lying in wait?
This appears to be a pretty deep draft overall, although moreso in terms of overall talent; rather than a large amount of top-end talent. It’s pretty obvious that the best players are clearly Wall, Turner, Favors, and probably Cousins (depending on how you feel about his attitude “issues”.) But beyond them, there are two dozen or so players that have a legit shot to be good players in the NBA.
Without further ado, here is your T-Wolves Blog 2010 NBA Draft Minnesota Timberwolves “Big Board”…
To see the TWolves Blog Big Board, please click “Read More” to continue…
To reach the consensus for the T-Wolves Top 30 ranked players below, we averaged the rankings of mock big boards from each of the TWolves Blog Staff members, as well as TWB forum members “Pants” and “Bonk.” Thusly, all six of us had John Wall and Evan Turner ranked #1 and #2 overall for the Wolves, respectively. Cousins was ranked #3 by three of us, and #4 by the other three, hence his 3.50 average.
This “Big Board” is a ranking of the Top 30 players for the Wolves. It is NOT a mock of the first round of the NBA draft. No other teams except the T-Wolves are being taken into consideration for this list. Keep that in mind if you could.
| Pick |
Avg |
Player |
Pos. |
Height |
Weight |
School | Comments |
| 1. |
1 |
John Wall |
PG |
6’4″ |
196 |
Kentucky |
The next Derrick Rose… or perhaps even better? All we know is he’s clearly the bonafide #1 overall in the draft. Strengths: Speed, Size, Athleticism, Leadership, Court Vision, Everything else Weaknesses: Shooting, Range |
| 2. |
2 |
Evan Turner |
SG/SF |
6’7″ |
214 |
Ohio State |
Wolves ‘SG of the Future’ in a perfect world. We just gotta figure out a way to land him. The most ideal fit for the Wolves of any player in this draft. Strengths: All around skill level, Basketball IQ, Rebounding, Fit in the Triangle offense, Playmaking ability Weaknesses: 3-point shooting, Athleticism |
| 3. |
3.50 |
DeMarcus Cousins |
C |
6’10” |
292 |
Kentucky | Fat? Crabby? Bad attitude? But his fire could bring some fucking balls to the Wolves roster. When do centers this skilled get picked out of the top 3? Strengths: Skill level, Size, Scoring Instincts, Potential Weaknesses: Attitude, Motivation, Intangibles, Redundancy with Al Jefferson |
| 4. |
3.66 |
Derrick Favors |
PF/C |
6’10” |
245 |
Georgia Tech | Poor guard play or not, why didn’t I see you make one play when I watched GTech games? That said, the consensus 2nd best pro prospect didn’t become a bad player in 1 year since dominating the best of the best. Would look good dunking half court lobs from Rubio… Strengths: Potential, Athleticism, Defense, Physique, Age, Unselfishness Weaknesses: Raw, Skill level, Offensive ability |
| 5. |
5 |
Wesley Johnson |
SF |
6’7″ |
206 |
Syracuse | We like him, just not as best new player we add this offseason. If I was the Jazz or a playoff contender, I’d be doing everything I could to get him. He can make shots, finish at the rim and has an ideal body. Solid resume for a top 5 pick. Due to his age, appears to have limited potential upside. Strengths: Versatility, Athleticism, 3-point shooting, Efficiency Weaknesses: Ball-handling, Ability to create own shot, Age |
| 6. |
7.16 |
Hassan WhiteUPside |
C |
6’11” |
227 |
Marshall | His game fits, but does his attitude? Could be a less talented Cousins, but with all the character issues as well. Strengths: UPside, Shot blocking ability, Defense, Range, Size/Measurements Weaknesses: Underdeveloped frame, Maturity, Basketball IQ, Offensive skill level |
| 7. |
9 |
Greg Monroe |
PF/C |
6’11” |
247 |
Georgetown | We’ve got an unexplainable “good feeling” about him, but doesn’t really fit the Wolves. Still, he’s too talented to drop much further. Strengths: Skill level, Hands, Passing, Court Vision, Instincts Weaknesses: Ability w/ right hand, Toughness, Range, Explosiveness |
| 8. |
9.50 |
Xavier Henry |
SG |
6’6″ |
210 |
Kansas |
Strengths: Polish, Efficiency, Basketball IQ, 3-point shooting Weaknesses: Versatility, Explosiveness, Ability to create own shot |
| 9. |
11 |
Paul George |
SF |
6’8″ |
214 |
Fresno State |
Strengths: Range, Athleticism, Shot release, Size, Defense Weaknesses: Ability to create own shot, Shot selection, Ball handling |
| 10. |
11.16 |
Al-Farouq Aminu |
SF |
6’8″ |
216 |
Wake Forest | Dropped this many spots simply due to his interviews/general deer-in-headlights, butthole persona. You know you want to take him (Clippers.) Strengths: Athleticism, Quickness, Versatility, Defense, Potential Weaknesses: 3-point range, Shooting ability, Offensive skill level |
| 11. |
12.33 |
C |
6’11” |
236 |
Kansas |
Strengths: Defensive Presence, Shot blocking ability, Toughness, Efficiency Weaknesses: Offensive ability, Limited potential, Shooting mechanics |
|
| 12. |
12.50 |
Ekpe Udoh |
PF/C |
6’9″ |
237 |
Baylor | Don’t like his age, but love the shot blocking, defense, and positive attitude. Too bad he’s not a few inches taller. Strengths: Shot blocking ability, Versatility, Mid-range shot, Ability to create shot Weaknesses: Age, Explosiveness, Defensive Rebounding |
| 13. |
12.83 |
James Anderson |
SG/SF |
6’5″ |
208 |
Oklahoma State | Legit point-scoring swingman with good height, athleticism, and shot. Efficient scorer. To the Wolves detriment, they passed on Granger and Howard as “All-around players with limited upside.” Mr. Anderson could be their chance to make up for that. His normal sounding name slightly hurts his stock. Strengths: Scoring ability, Shooting mechanics, Ability to get to the FT line, Efficiency Weaknesses: Defense, Quickness |
| 14. |
14 |
Patrick Patterson |
PF |
6’9″ |
240 |
Kentucky |
Strengths: Offensive versatility/execution, Intangibles, NBA ready, Efficiency Weaknesses, Undersized at PF, Defense, Potential |
| 15. |
15.33 |
Ed Davis |
PF |
6’9″ |
227 |
North Carolina | Solid defensive specialist. Questionable arrogant attitude though. Unfortunately for him, his name makes him sound less athletic than he probably is. Strengths: Potential, Defense, Frame/Measurements Weaknesses: Offensive skill level, Ball handling ability, Raw |
| 16. |
15.50 |
Luke Babbitt |
SF |
6’8″ |
218 |
Nevada |
Strengths: Ability to create own shot, Craftiness, Basketball IQ, Skill level Weaknesses: Quickness, Athleticism, Limited defensively |
| 17. |
16.66 |
Jordan Crawford |
SG |
6’4″ |
198 |
Xavier | Big hops, big gamer, and NBA 3-pt range. Since when isn’t that a lottery pick? There is no way this guy isn’t one day at least a double digit scorer in the NBA. Strengths: Scoring ability, Aggressiveness, Quick first step, Body control Weaknesses: Size, Inconsistent, Ball hog mentality |
| 18. |
20 |
Gordan Hayward |
SF |
6’8″ |
211 |
Butler |
Strengths: Perimeter shooting, Basketball IQ, Ball handling Weaknesses: Typical white guy, Athleticism, Quickness, Defense |
|
19. |
20.50 |
Avery Bradley |
SG |
6’3″ |
180 |
Texas | Only because everyone is doing it. Strengths: Excellent defender, Plays/Guards multiple positions, Jumpshot Weaknesses: Finishing ability, Playmaking ability, Offensive awareness |
| 20. |
21.50 |
SG |
6’6″ |
227 |
Cincinnati |
Strengths: Size, Strength, Offensive potential Weaknesses: Athleticism, Decision making, Selfishness, Off-court baggage |
|
|
21. |
22.50 |
PG/SG |
6’5″ |
203 |
Mississippi |
Strengths: Physique, Athleticism, Mid-range game Weaknesses: Lack of aggressiveness, Shoint guard, PG skills |
|
|
22. |
23.50 |
C |
6’9″ |
269 |
Kentucky |
Who wouldn’t want a guy that averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds per game last year and might have bad knees? Strengths: Size/NBA body, Hands, Potential Weaknesses: Raw, Unproven, Potential knee problems |
|
| 23. |
23.66 |
Larry Sanders |
PF/C |
6’10” |
222 |
VCU |
Rare combination of length and athleticism and has only been playing basketball for 5 years. Could be a good late 1st round pickup. Strengths: Speed, Athleticism, Shot blocking, Has shown rapid improvement Weaknesses: Fundamentals, Strength, Skill level, Range |
| 24. |
23.83 |
Damion James |
SF |
6’7″ |
227 |
Texas | Essentially Ryan Gomes with athleticism. If the Spurs draft him, everybody will immediately start talking about how great of a pick it was. I agree. Strengths: Jack-of-all-trades, Athleticism, Energy/high motor, Intangibles Weaknesses: Tweener, Limited potential, Ball handling |
| 25. |
25 |
Kevin Seraphin |
PF/C |
N/A |
N/A |
France | The one projected 1st round Euro prospect that hasn’t pulled out of the draft yet. I can’t say I know a whole lot about him. It might be worthwhile to draft him and stash him overseas for a few years. Strengths: Physique, Defensive presence, Potential Weaknesses: Raw, Inexperienced |
| 26. |
25.16 |
Eric Bledsoe |
PG/SG |
6’1″ |
192 |
Kentucky | Wasn’t able to show off his full range of skills playing with John Wall, but didn’t look good during the chances he got to play PG. I think he’ll be a more versatile Eddie House. Strengths: Athleticism, Quickness, Spot up shooting ability Weaknesses: PG skills, Turnover prone, Shoint guard |
| 27. |
|
Solomon Alabi |
C |
7’0″ |
237 |
Florida State |
The draft just wouldn’t be complete without an African 7-footer. Strengths: Size/Measurements, Defensive potential, Athleticism/Agility considering his size Weaknesses: Age (may be older than listed), Offensive ability, Raw, Rebounding |
| 28. |
26.83 |
Quincy Pondexter |
SF |
6’7″ |
215 |
Washington | His name is Quincy Pondexter, who wouldn’t want this guy? Strengths: Athleticism, Work ethic, Finishing ability, Energy/High motor Weaknesses: Range, Shot consistency, Lateral quickness |
| 29. |
27.16 |
Devin Ebanks |
SF |
6’8″ |
208 |
West Virginia | He regressed from his freshman season. Meh. Strengths: Size/Length, Fast break ability, Rebounding Weaknesses: Nonexistant 3-point shot, Motivation, Off-court issues |
| 30. |
28.33 |
Dominique Jones |
SG |
6’5″ |
215 |
South Florida |
Had to do everything for his crappy South Florida team. An explosive scorer who plays surprisingly good defense and has been rising up the draft boards a bit lately. Strengths: Scoring ability, Finishing ability, Ability to get to the FT line, Can play PG Weaknesses: Range, Poor shooting mechanics, Decision making |
It’s just a week until draft day, and honestly, who the heck knows what is going to happen. I can’t say with any positive certainty that we do. All I know is that this draft has been a l o o o n g time coming. In an ideal world, we’d like to trade up, or somehow otherwise end up with Turner/Favors, with our top lottery pick. We prefer Turner, but could live with Favors. If that were to happen, anything else in this draft is gravy. If not, and we simply take a wing like Wesley Johnson at #4 (without trading down to acquire more assets), then this team, it’s Front Office, and the future will be one huge, collective Epic. Fail.
Let’s pray for some good drafting acumen luck a week from now.