Who should Wolves draft at 19?

[Lipoli390]

Buy the way, I think AJ Griffin will slide all the way down to 19. If I'm right, should the Wolves draft him?

[SameOldNudityDrew]

Jalen Williams does look like a really fun guy to watch, Lip. I love great passers, especially with some length. Is that shot for real? If so, I could see him filling some or all of DLO's duties, assuming DLO leaves after next year (or this summer) and assuming Williams develops well. There's definitely upside there, though if he doesn't show more athleticism and can't really defend that well, he'd start to look like not much more than a longer, more likable DLO, which may not be too bad with the 19th pick (assuming he's actually still there, and you're right, he's getting projected higher now).

[FNG]

Buy the way, I think AJ Griffin will slide all the way down to 19. If I'm right, should the Wolves draft him?

I would have to know why he dropped to 19. If it's new injury news, I would pass. But absent that I would have to take him at 19. He's an elite shooter, has solid defensive potential, and looks to me like a lottery pick for sure. A wing isn't my first choice in this draft, but I could see a guy like Griffin replacing Jaden in the starting lineup next to Ant at some point during his rookie year.

But I don't see him dropping out of the lottery. Why do you think he might be available at 19, Lip?

[Lipoli390]

Jalen Williams does look like a really fun guy to watch, Lip. I love great passers, especially with some length. Is that shot for real? If so, I could see him filling some or all of DLO's duties, assuming DLO leaves after next year (or this summer) and assuming Williams develops well. There's definitely upside there, though if he doesn't show more athleticism and can't really defend that well, he'd start to look like not much more than a longer, more likable DLO, which may not be too bad with the 19th pick (assuming he's actually still there, and you're right, he's getting projected higher now).

Good analysis, Drew. I do see him as a potential future point forward who either supplements DLO or replaces him. His passing isn't just good, it's elite. And you'll note that he's ambidextrous. That's a huge advantage along with his combination of forward length and point guard skills.

I think his shot's for real - He hit 51.3% of his field-goal attempts, 39.6% of his 3-point attempts and 80.9% of his free-throw attempts as a Junior. He didn't shoot a ton of threes, but his 3.2 attempts per game offers a fairly reasonable sample size. More importantly, his impressive field goal percentage as a Junior has a substantial 12.9 attempts behind it. Note also that his three-year FG average was 52.5%. His impressive free-throw percentage has a pretty decent 4.3 attempts behind it. His form looks good and he has the length to get his shot up from anywhere against almost anyone. So I'm not worried about his shooting. His defense wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. With his length and high IQ, I see him becomIng at least a decent defender and perhaps a very good one. As for his athleticism, I'm not worried about that at all. His 33.5" no-step vertical and 39" max vertical tell me all I need to know. The fact that he doesn't look athletic on the court simply reminds me of Brandon Roy who had a 40" vertical but always looked up athletic on the court.

I've all but given up on getting him. Not only will be be gone by pick 19, I think he'll end up drafted in the top 10. That's a long way to trade up, so I think the Wolves will have to look elsewhere - unless they're willing to part with McDaniels or a future 1st-round pick.

[Lipoli390]

Based on the latest information and my own assessment, I see the following prospects getting drafted in the top 18 in roughly the order I'm suggesting:

1. Jabari Smith
2. Chet Homgren
3. Paolo Banchero
4. Jaden Ivey
5. Benedict Mathurin
6. Dyson Daniels
7. Jalen Duren
8. Jalen Williams
9. Jeremy Sochan
10. Shaedon Sharpe
11. Keegan Murray
12. Johnny Davis
13. Ochai Agbaji
14. Malaki Branham
15 Mark Williams
16. Ty Ty Washington
17. Ourmane Dieng
18. Tari Eason

Here are what I would consider the best options for the Wolves at 19 if I'm right about the top 18:

1. Dalen Teri
2. AJ Griffin
3. Moore
4. Liddell
5. Montero
6. Chandler
7. Beauchamp
8. Jovic
9. Hardy

[Lipoli390]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNXneoUii14

A really solid analysis of the needs and possibilities for each of the teams in the Northwest Division, including the Wolves.

[WildWolf2813]

Got a feeling Connelly drafts Hardy if he's there at 19. Just a gut feeling.

[Lipoli390]

Got a feeling Connelly drafts Hardy if he's there at 19. Just a gut feeling.

That would be an interesting, pretty bold choice. But I wouldn't mind it.

[KG4Ever]

Got a feeling Connelly drafts Hardy if he's there at 19. Just a gut feeling.

That would be an interesting, pretty bold choice. But I wouldn't mind it.

I don't know what I like more his 35% FG%, his 26.9 3P% or his 3.5 turnovers.
It get's better Jonathan Givony who I respect a lot said this about Jaden's defense:
"He's struggled to generate good looks for himself this season, regularly freezes out teammates and has been a defensive liability for most of the season. NBA scouts in attendance questioned whether he has the quickness or feel to play the only style of basketball he seemingly knows."

Somewhere, David Kahn is drooling!

[Q-is-here]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNXneoUii14

A really solid analysis of the needs and possibilities for each of the teams in the Northwest Division, including the Wolves.

Yeah, pretty good. I like what he said too about not rushing the process. I kind of agree. We probably should keep some of our powder dry this offseason and not get too carried away with big game hunting. If we let things play themselves out, we could have significant cap room next offseason.

As for the prospects he mentioned, TyTy is the only one I'm not so sure about. Terry and Liddell certainly fit the bill in how he described them. Surprised he didn't mention Eason, but may be he thinks Tari is gone by 19.