Wolves' 2nd round pick official thread

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Not nearly as interesting a topic as who will take in the top 5, but a pick in the low 30s may still produce an interesting player. Rather than cluttering up the other draft thread, it might be better to dedicate another thread to the second rounder.

Several intriguing names, but the one that jumps out to me in many mock drafts is Cliff Alexander. A year ago, he was the 4th ranked senior prospect, behind only Okafor, Mudiay and Johnson. But he only played 17 MPG his freshman year, and didn't play at all after Feb 23 while the NCAA investigated a loan to his mother. For these reasons, along with a rough offensive game, he appears in the second round in every mock I have seen. Still, his per 40 numbers were pretty good. 17 and 12 on 57% shooting. Plus his defense is described as very good, especially as a weak side shot blocker. He only started playing basketball in high school, so it's understandable that his offensive game would be undeveloped. But there's no disputing his strength, wing span, or ability to rebound and defend. Might be a steal in the second round for a team looking for some toughness.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

I have the scoop on who the Wolves are after in the second round. The Wolves have actually drafted a lot of his relatives in the past. I don't have his stats in front of me but I have a picture.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

I have a feeling Alex is right, but there are certainly a couple interesting prospects:

Cliff Alexander
Dakari Johnson
Justin Anderson
Terry Rozier

Would look at all these guys.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I highly doubt we will have the roster spot needed for the second round pick to even make the team. How is a second round pick going to beat out the consistency and IQ Hamilton and Hummel provide at the minimum salary?

[thedoper]

AJ Hammons

[Monster]

The Wolves have two 2nd rounders this year and both are in the top half so I would imagine the Wolves will draft one guy and either trade the other or pick (for future picks or like Alex mentioned that Cash guy) or pick a euro guy. We need talent we better be getting someone the excuse that too many young guys gets old. Plenty of teams have 2nd rounders that are solid contributors their rookie year no reason we can't find one.

[Lipoli390]

The Wolves have two 2nd rounders this year and both are in the top half so I would imagine the Wolves will draft one guy and either trade the other or pick (for future picks or like Alex mentioned that Cash guy) or pick a euro guy. We need talent we better be getting someone the excuse that too many young guys gets old. Plenty of teams have 2nd rounders that are solid contributors their rookie year no reason we can't find one.

I agree Monster. The "too many young guys" line has been the refrain from this pathetic organization for as long as I can remember. I recall Rob Babcock giving me that line when asked why we passed on Jordan or Chalmers with what was the 3rd or 4th pick in the second round.

Right now, we're a rebuilding team. That means our top priority has to be the acquisition of draft assets and young talent. We sure as hell shouldn't be selling the 2nd or 3rd pick in the second round. God bless Robbie Hummel, but he's not a building block for this team and there are dozens of NBA vets or D-Leaguers who could fill his appropriate role. Hamilton might be worth signing to a minimum contract, although I wouldn't pass on a talented prospect at the top of the 2nd round just to hold a roster spot for Justin.

I'm hoping that, for once, this organization shows that it truly knows what it's doing. I'll give Flip a pass on selling the 27th pick two years ago given the win-now focus of the team with Adelman as head coach and a restless Kevin Love threatening to opt out. But no such pass for Flip this summer. There is no question we're a rebuilding team. We have Ricky locked in a long-term deal, so there's no risk of him bolting during the rebuild. We already have experienced vets, Martin and Ricky, under contract for next season and we will probably have KG on the roster as well. If Budinger opts in that's yet another vet. Meanwhile Shabazz and Dieng will be entering their third season as Wiggins and Zach enter their 2nd season with a lot of rookie playing time under their belts.

What does all this mean? It means we don't need more vets. As a team with the 2nd worst record in the League it means we need more talent and a coaching staff capable of developing that talent. It also means we need patience with wins and losses, but not with the lack of player development and not with historically poor defense.

We will likely have one if the top three picks in the 1st round and a top three pick in the 2nd. Flip and his brain trust need to select the best prospect available with each of those two picks and then develop them effectively over the next two years. As long suffering fans I think it's fair for us to expect this organization to succeed with both picks or at least one of them. Failing to draft and keep both picks would be unacceptable. Oh, and no more Euro stash picks. Other than Ricky, this organization has been notoriously bad with its Euro-stash picks.

[TheGrey08]

I think anything is possible with the two 2nd rounders. Euro stash, end of bench/NBADL stash, using them to help move up from our lotto pick if needed (I could see the Sixers flipping #1 for #3 in exchange for those 2nd rounders), or we could even package them for a late 1st.

We have 10 guys under contract plus Bud who may opt out or get traded and 12 counting KG. There could be other deals done as well.

[Lipoli390]

I have a feeling Alex is right, but there are certainly a couple interesting prospects:

Cliff Alexander
Dakari Johnson
Justin Anderson
Terry Rozier

Would look at all these guys.

I'd add Christian Wood of UNLV and Jarell Martin of LSU to the list of interesting prospects who might be available for our first of two second round picks.

[TheGrey08]

I agree Lip. They need to make these picks count. No more of that selling BS. I'm okay packaging them for something, but the pick or trades need to be on the mark.