KG4Ever wrote:Right now, I'm torn between Okungwu and Wiseman as the top pick. I like Haliburton, Vassell and Dani too, but only in a trade down. I have considered Edwards but his shooting concerns me as well as the knock on his defensive effort, but I have an open mind given his age, but only if his workouts are otherworldly and his poor shooting can be justified (I rarely see NBA stars who shoot 40% in college, but Donovan Mitchell did his last year but his FT% was better). Funny, if we like Edwards we should have kept Wiggins and if we like Ball, we should have kept Rubio.
Unlike Ball, Rubio came to the NBA with a reputation as a very good defender and the didn't disappoint in that area. He was and still is a terrific defender. Unlike Wiggins, Edwards is physically really strong (225 pounds of solid muscle) and he shows some real fire in his personality. So although one knock on Edwards is lack of defensive effort and an uncertain motor similar to Wiggins, you can see a lot of video of Edwards showing a lot of outward passion and excitement on the offensive end. So I'd take Rubio over Ball, but I'd take Edwards over Wiggins.
Otherwise, I'm totally with you in being torn between Okongwu and Wiseman as our top pick, with an open mind to the possibility of taking Edwards. I see Okongwu as another Bam Adebayo, but a better shot blocker than Bam. If I'm right, then Okongwu should be the pick because I think he has zero bust potential. I see Wiseman as potentially another Chis Bosh - maybe even better. Wiseman's combination of length and athleticism is really enticing. Edwards looks like he could be another Oladipo or bigger version of Donovan Mitchell. But both Oladipo and Mitchell came to the NBA as elite college defenders while Edwards is considered highly suspect but potentially very good defensively. Ball's very skilled and has extraordinary length for a PG. But the Wolves need defense and athleticism and Ball is weak in both those areas. Moreover, I don't want any part of the Ball family drama.
If we pass on Okongwu, Wiseman and Edwards (presumably by trading down into the 4-8 range), then I'm leaning towards Vassell although I would consider Deni, Haliburton or Toppin in that range. I'm warming up to Toppin. As athletic and strong as he is, I have to believe he can improve his defense. He was a late bloomer before exploding on the scene as one of the NCAA's best offensive players this past season. Perhaps he can take the same leap forward on the defensive side of the ball.