Who should Wolves draft at 19?

[Lipoli390]

Seven things that tell me the Wolves should draft Dalen Terry at #19:

1. He has a rare and compelling combination of a power forward's length (6'10 reach/7'1 wingspan) and point guard's skill set (excellent ball-handler and passer).

2. He's an excellent finisher, which is essential for an NBA wing in today's game if that wing has any hope of becoming more than a limited role player. First-round picks should always be selected with the idea that they can become starters and potential all-star caliber players. The ability penetrate and finish inside is rooted in a combination of basic skills and instincts (ball-handling, body control, feel, etc.) that rarely develop significantly after a player gets to the NBA.

3. He's an excellent defender, which means he can be a two-way player. That's particularly important to the Wolves and also essential if using 1st round picks to add potential starters rather than limited role players.

4. He has an excellent 50.2 FG percentage. Looking back historically, wings with college FG percentages of 50% of better tend to do really well in the NBA.

5. His non-scoring college stats are impressive. Terry averaged nearly 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.2 steals in only 28 minutes per game. On a 36-minute equivalent basis, that's 6.2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.5 steals.

6. His weaknesses - physical strength and perimeter shooting - are among the things that can be improved substantially after a player gets to the NBA. Further, his weaknesses aren't aren't all that bad when you consider what he's done in college. In spite of his think frame, he's been an effective finisher at the rim and an effective defender. In spite of his need to improve his shooting, he hit 50.2% of his FG attempts, 36.4% of his 3-point attempts and 73.6% of his FT attempts. Not bad stats for weak areas of his game.

7. His character. He has a great passion for the game. He loves the game and is known as a gym rat. Those are key character attributes to success in the NBA.

I really think Dalen Terry will be the steal of the draft if the Wolves can get him at #19.

I still like Jalen Williams and Wendell Moore as possible picks at 19, but I'd take Dalen Terry over either one. I'd be disappointed if we end up with Liddell instead of one of those three wings. I like a lot of things about Liddell, but he has a troubling combination of sub-par length for his position and poor ball-handling. Moreover, I'd still not convinced his 3-point shooting as a Junior will hold up in the NBA, especially given the location of the NBA arc. Further, his calling card in college was his shot-blocking and I'm sure that will translate to the NBA given his lack of length.

[Lipoli390]

Im going Jovic. He seems like he would be the most fun. For this iteration of the Edwards wolves, I would rather us solve our issue at the 4 for size and toughness with a grown man. Lidell may be the answer there too long term, wouldn't hate that pick. But I love shooting for the moon with prospects, especially if its at 19.

Interesting thought, Doper. I actually wouldn't mind it if the Wolves took Jovic. That would be an exciting pick. I like aiming high with first-round picks. And I like players who have a relatively unique and compelling combination of basic attributes. Jovic has that rare combination (like Terry in my view) of a PF's length and a PG's skill set. Jovic has a 9'0 standing reach, but he handles the ball and passes like a PG. He doesn't appear to have the lateral quickness of defensive potential of Dalen Terry or Jalen Williams, but Jovic has the potential to be an outstanding and unique offensive player who should be able to use his length and IQ to become a passable defender.

I agree that we're better off solving our issue at the 4 with a grown man via free agency or trade than relying on a draft pick like Liddell. I just don't see first-round as a good place to go fishing for role players. Aim high. If you aim high and end up with a good role player, then fine.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Lip, how can you be "convinced" E.J. Liddell's perimeter shot won't translate while in the same post ignore Dalen Terry's weakness as a shooter? Liddell shot nearly twice as many threes as Terry last year and still converted with higher efficiency. Terry also struggles in the mid-range and lacks any semblance of an in-between game as he does not possess a consistent runner at this time-- both of which Liddell is comfortable doing. I don't necessarily expect you to flip how you feel about either prospect this close to the draft, but you can see how there's an inconsistent approach in your process there, no?

I'd also disagree with your claim that Liddell's calling card at Ohio State was shot-blocking. I think that waters down or minimizes the all-around impact he had at the NCAA level and what he was asked to do there. Liddell was the best overall player on a very solid Buckeyes team last year and he did so making plays in every facet of the game. He led the team in scoring at 19.4 PPG on .598 true shooting taking on the role of the first option offensively -- often having to create his own offense -- which won't be expected of him at the next level. He was second on the team in assists per game (2.5). He was first in rebounds (7.9) and blocked shots (2.6). Liddell was an all-around contributor and stood out significantly in terms of box plus-minus metrics while playing the most minutes on the team.

He essentially carried that team on his back to a 20-12 record in the Big Ten and into the second round of the NCAA tournament. That was no fluke either. Liddell plays a winning brand of basketball that stems from a high IQ and a never-ending motor. He is exactly the kind of player that translates regardless of his measurables-- 6'7", 243-pounds with a 7'0" wingspan and an 8'7.5" standing reach. And even those have been overstated given his above average vertical leap and agility marks, both of which indicate that he's an impressive athlete. He's essentially comparable to Draymond Green in physical profile while sacrificing a couple inches of length for superior athleticism. And if you don't like that comparison, Liddell has a bigger and longer physical profile than Brandon Clarke, Grant Williams, Jae Crowder, and P.J. Tucker.

I'm not sold Liddell gets past Chicago at 18, but if he does I think he would be an awesome pick for Minnesota.

[Monster]

Cam what is your take on Wendell Moore Jr?

[KG4Ever]

We have votes for five different players and I think each of them has merits. I think its also possible that someone slides down to 19 that we aren't considering now. Among those who may have some chance of sliding to 19, the likelihood of a slider based on mocks and scuttlebutt are probably TyTy; Eason; Mark Williams, Agbaji and Dieng from most likely to least likely to slide and I find it unlikely, barring a last minute injury or failed drug test, that anyone else could slide to 19.

I think this is a very flat draft outside of the lottery and into the early second round, meaning you can make legit cases for many candidates to be the BPA at 19. We don't have access to the workouts and interviews and non-public info that the Wolves organization has, so hopefully, the Wolves with this additional info are able to ascertain the BPA. The Wolves very well could feel like this board in that several players could be the BPA and if so, fit will probably be critical.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Cam what is your take on Wendell Moore Jr?

I like Wendell Moore Jr. quite a bit. I think one could make the argument that he's one of the better perimeter defenders in this class. His offensive ceiling remains a question mark, but I think he'll settle in as a role-playing wing with a reliable three-point shot. Can he grow as a shot creator at the next level? He showed signs of being a solid secondary ball-handler, but he still has room to grow there. Overall, I think his upside is tethered to his creativity on the ball and whether or not he can take another step as a shooter. Bottom line, he's a first-round talent for me.

[Monster]

Cam what is your take on Wendell Moore Jr?

I like Wendell Moore Jr. quite a bit. I think one could make the argument that he's one of the better perimeter defenders in this class. His offensive ceiling remains a question mark, but I think he'll settle in as a role-playing wing with a reliable three-point shot. Can he grow as a shot creator at the next level? He showed signs of being a solid secondary ball-handler, but he still has room to grow there. Overall, I think his upside is tethered to his creativity on the ball and whether or not he can take another step as a shooter. Bottom line, he's a first-round talent for me.

Thanks for the input. I think the biggest concern I have is the people saying he struggles when forced to drive with his weak hand. I haven't watched enough to know how much this is a concern. Do you have any thoughts? You brought up his Defense. It seems like maybe Moore's defense is underrated. I've seen him make some really nice plays and he looks to be a guy that can guard guards and play bigger than his overall length more like a forward. He plays so strong.

The other night I started watching the Ohio State vs Duke game on YouTube which is another interesting one with Liddell matching up against Banchero. I plan to finish that game this weekend. I'll say there was a couple times in the first half Zed Key absolutely housed Mark Williams to get buckets in the paint. Williams also blocked one of Key's shots later and I'm not sure he even jumped he is so long. It's beautiful watching Branham get and take shots. It seems he has risen quite a bit the last few weeks from when he was projected as a early 2nd rounder which makes sense to me.

[Monster]

We have votes for five different players and I think each of them has merits. I think its also possible that someone slides down to 19 that we aren't considering now. Among those who may have some chance of sliding to 19, the likelihood of a slider based on mocks and scuttlebutt are probably TyTy; Eason; Mark Williams, Agbaji and Dieng from most likely to least likely to slide and I find it unlikely, barring a last minute injury or failed drug test, that anyone else could slide to 19.

I think this is a very flat draft outside of the lottery and into the early second round, meaning you can make legit cases for many candidates to be the BPA at 19. We don't have access to the workouts and interviews and non-public info that the Wolves organization has, so hopefully, the Wolves with this additional info are able to ascertain the BPA. The Wolves very well could feel like this board in that several players could be the BPA and if so, fit will probably be critical.

I tend to agree with your idea that there is a range where there may not be a significant separation between prospects unless someone slides. Obviously the Wolves or other teams may identify players that are simply valued higher but I wonder if there will be an opportunity to do a deal where the Timberwolves do something like they did in 2020 where they traded down a few slots and moved up to get a 2nd first round pick. There are a lot of teams with multiple firsts and 2nds in this draft so idk if those opportunities will be there or not.

[KG4Ever]

We have votes for five different players and I think each of them has merits. I think its also possible that someone slides down to 19 that we aren't considering now. Among those who may have some chance of sliding to 19, the likelihood of a slider based on mocks and scuttlebutt are probably TyTy; Eason; Mark Williams, Agbaji and Dieng from most likely to least likely to slide and I find it unlikely, barring a last minute injury or failed drug test, that anyone else could slide to 19.

I think this is a very flat draft outside of the lottery and into the early second round, meaning you can make legit cases for many candidates to be the BPA at 19. We don't have access to the workouts and interviews and non-public info that the Wolves organization has, so hopefully, the Wolves with this additional info are able to ascertain the BPA. The Wolves very well could feel like this board in that several players could be the BPA and if so, fit will probably be critical.

I tend to agree with your idea that there is a range where there may not be a significant separation between prospects unless someone slides. Obviously the Wolves or other teams may identify players that are simply valued higher but I wonder if there will be an opportunity to do a deal where the Timberwolves do something like they did in 2020 where they traded down a few slots and moved up to get a 2nd first round pick. There are a lot of teams with multiple firsts and 2nds in this draft so idk if those opportunities will be there or not.

The teams with multiple picks between 19 and 40 are San Antonio, Memphis and OKC. Unless the Wolves are dead set on a guy available at 19, I'd consider moving 19 and 40 for 22 and 29.

[KG4Ever]

The Wolves are really working out a lot of the guys we are discussing. Here is my updated list:

Tari Eason, Jalen Williams, Kennedy Chandler, EJ Liddell, Nikola Jovic, Wendell Moore, Christian Koloko, Marjon Beauchamp, Jaden Hardy, Patrick Baldwin, Christian Braun, Andrew Nembhard, Ismael Kamagate, Jean Montero, Gabriele Procida, Julian Champagnie, David Roddy, Bryce McGowans, Max Christie, Keon Ellis, JD Davidson, John Butler, Iverson Molnar, Johnny Zugang and a bunch of lesser known names.