Official Draft Day Thread

[FNG]

Monster- I liked your list for areas the Wolves could use 31 to add talent. But if TC is not sold on anyone left available, what a great opportunity to use that pick for future draft capital. Heck, given the talent left on the board, he might be able to nab a future first round pick!

Although, deep down, I am hoping TC has Fleming on his board as a worthy pick!

Talk about assembling the future ANT 2.0 pieces. Wow!

Yeah, 31 is a very valuable pick...just remember how excited the Wolves must have been at the end of round 1 knowing Pek was waiting for them at 31! But you and monster are correct...there are probably several teams that are craving guys at 31 that would probably give us great value in trade. I still think TC and Finchy might be looking for an NBA-ready backup to Rudy, and if they don't have a plan outside the draft, are more likely to use 31 to fill that need. But it's a great asset to have, and we'll have to see what happens.

[Lipoli390]

Monster- I liked your list for areas the Wolves could use 31 to add talent. But if TC is not sold on anyone left available, what a great opportunity to use that pick for future draft capital. Heck, given the talent left on the board, he might be able to nab a future first round pick!

Although, deep down, I am hoping TC has Fleming on his board as a worthy pick!

Talk about assembling the future ANT 2.0 pieces. Wow!

Yeah, 31 is a very valuable pick...just remember how excited the Wolves must have been at the end of round 1 knowing Pek was waiting for them at 31! But you and monster are correct...there are probably several teams that are craving guys at 31 that would probably give us great value in trade. I still think TC and Finchy might be looking for an NBA-ready backup to Rudy, and if they don't have a plan outside the draft, are more likely to use 31 to fill that need. But it's a great asset to have, and we'll have to see what happens.

I don’t see a viable trade for a defensive vet backup to Rudy with or without including pick 31.

[FNG]

Monster- I liked your list for areas the Wolves could use 31 to add talent. But if TC is not sold on anyone left available, what a great opportunity to use that pick for future draft capital. Heck, given the talent left on the board, he might be able to nab a future first round pick!

Although, deep down, I am hoping TC has Fleming on his board as a worthy pick!

Talk about assembling the future ANT 2.0 pieces. Wow!

Yeah, 31 is a very valuable pick...just remember how excited the Wolves must have been at the end of round 1 knowing Pek was waiting for them at 31! But you and monster are correct...there are probably several teams that are craving guys at 31 that would probably give us great value in trade. I still think TC and Finchy might be looking for an NBA-ready backup to Rudy, and if they don't have a plan outside the draft, are more likely to use 31 to fill that need. But it's a great asset to have, and we'll have to see what happens.

I don’t see a viable trade for a defensive vet backup to Rudy with or without including pick 31.

I don't either, but I also didn't see TC trading KAT or trading for Rudy. He's unpredictable, and assuming he is going to hold unto Joan (and remember...most of us here assumed he was going to keep Kessler), it's logical to assume he is going to do something unexpected. But I also think he may take the safe route and pick a more NBA-ready center at 31...even if he doesn't have the upside of Joan.

[Lipoli390]

A couple thoughts as we go into this 2nd round with 31.

I see a couple areas the Wolves can address this roster and they don't have to be with this pick but obviously it would make sense to do so. Here they are in no particular order

Ball handling. The Wolves might be light on this especially if NAW leaves. Ideally they add some sort of PG type of guy but it could be a combo guard. Dillingham could be the answer here.

Impact scoring on the perimeter. Again Dillingham could be this guy as well as TSJ but another option wouldn't hurt.

True PF option as depth. Having a better option behind Randle and Naz would help and it could also keep McDaniels from sliding down to play PF. Fleming looks like he could maybe be a nice option here.

Defensive center as depth behind Gobert. I could get excited about taking an older more ready to play guy here but something to consider is whether Jesse Edwards or someone else they could sign with a 2-way deal could fill this role. I like the options at 31 for a more ready center than Jesse Edward's but maybe after a season in the G-league and practicing with the Wolves sole as well maybe he would be more ready than we might think especially compared to one of these guys that would still be a rookie big.

To me I want the Wolves to keep adding talent and depth to their roster however they can. Maybe it's by making a more significant trade or maybe it's continuing to add to the roster and developing it. One thing I would like to see if the Wolves continue to add to their arsenal of players so they can keep playing more than one way.

Good thoughts, Monster. But if we keep both Randle and Naz, then another veteran PF is the last thing I’d be looking to add. Randle and Naz are both starting caliber PFs. And sliding Jaden to the PF position is often a good thing.

I don’t think Jesse Edwards is an NBA caliber player. He should become an Iowa resident.

I would think TC will prioritize getting a veteran PG as a bridge to Dilly. I could see TC going for a big score and giving up Dilly to get a guy like Derrick White. Pick 31 could be part of a package for Derrick.

[Lipoli390]

Yeah, 31 is a very valuable pick...just remember how excited the Wolves must have been at the end of round 1 knowing Pek was waiting for them at 31! But you and monster are correct...there are probably several teams that are craving guys at 31 that would probably give us great value in trade. I still think TC and Finchy might be looking for an NBA-ready backup to Rudy, and if they don't have a plan outside the draft, are more likely to use 31 to fill that need. But it's a great asset to have, and we'll have to see what happens.

I don’t see a viable trade for a defensive vet backup to Rudy with or without including pick 31.

I don't either, but I also didn't see TC trading KAT or trading for Rudy. He's unpredictable, and assuming he is going to hold unto Joan (and remember...most of us here assumed he was going to keep Kessler), it's logical to assume he is going to do something unexpected. But I also think he may take the safe route and pick a more NBA-ready center at 31...even if he doesn't have the upside of Joan.

Very true, FNG. As I noted in an earlier post, we shouldn’t’ be surprised if TC ends up trading both Beringer and pick 31 for a big name. I think that would be a mistake, but it would fit TC’s MO. At the same time, it’s not as if TC never takes the safer route so keeping keeping pick 31 would not surprise me either.

Who would you consider the best NBA ready center prospect remaining in this year’s draft?

[Monster]

Monster- I liked your list for areas the Wolves could use 31 to add talent. But if TC is not sold on anyone left available, what a great opportunity to use that pick for future draft capital. Heck, given the talent left on the board, he might be able to nab a future first round pick!

Although, deep down, I am hoping TC has Fleming on his board as a worthy pick!

Talk about assembling the future ANT 2.0 pieces. Wow!

Yeah, 31 is a very valuable pick...just remember how excited the Wolves must have been at the end of round 1 knowing Pek was waiting for them at 31! But you and monster are correct...there are probably several teams that are craving guys at 31 that would probably give us great value in trade. I still think TC and Finchy might be looking for an NBA-ready backup to Rudy, and if they don't have a plan outside the draft, are more likely to use 31 to fill that need. But it's a great asset to have, and we'll have to see what happens.

I'm not sure the Wolves could get a future first at this point or the Nets may have moved one of their picks. They may be able to moved down a few sports and pick up a future 2nd or 2 which could also be valuable. Keep in mind that the year the Wolves were fortunate enough to land Pek they could have traded that pick for a lot of value and if they had used picks on the right players it would have been the right move. Who could have predicted that a player like Peknwpuld have his career cut short by injury. Honestly he is probably one of my favorite players to watch that played for this franchise.

I'm pretty excited about Fleming but there is certainly at least another player or 2 left I would be pretty happy to end up with especially if moving down nets the Wolves a future chance at grabbing another Fleming or Minott type prospect or even a Clark. Keep in mind that the Wolves have Tristin Newton as a 2-way player that was the 49th pick a year ago. He doesn't thrill me but it's an example of how Connelly has been able to add talent at or near the end of the roster. We will see what he does but I have a reasonable amount of confidence in him maximizing our chances at getting the most out of 31.

[Monster]

A couple thoughts as we go into this 2nd round with 31.

I see a couple areas the Wolves can address this roster and they don't have to be with this pick but obviously it would make sense to do so. Here they are in no particular order

Ball handling. The Wolves might be light on this especially if NAW leaves. Ideally they add some sort of PG type of guy but it could be a combo guard. Dillingham could be the answer here.

Impact scoring on the perimeter. Again Dillingham could be this guy as well as TSJ but another option wouldn't hurt.

True PF option as depth. Having a better option behind Randle and Naz would help and it could also keep McDaniels from sliding down to play PF. Fleming looks like he could maybe be a nice option here.

Defensive center as depth behind Gobert. I could get excited about taking an older more ready to play guy here but something to consider is whether Jesse Edwards or someone else they could sign with a 2-way deal could fill this role. I like the options at 31 for a more ready center than Jesse Edward's but maybe after a season in the G-league and practicing with the Wolves sole as well maybe he would be more ready than we might think especially compared to one of these guys that would still be a rookie big.

To me I want the Wolves to keep adding talent and depth to their roster however they can. Maybe it's by making a more significant trade or maybe it's continuing to add to the roster and developing it. One thing I would like to see if the Wolves continue to add to their arsenal of players so they can keep playing more than one way.

Good thoughts, Monster. But if we keep both Randle and Naz, then another veteran PF is the last thing I’d be looking to add. Randle and Naz are both starting caliber PFs. And sliding Jaden to the PF position is often a good thing.

I don’t think Jesse Edwards is an NBA caliber player. He should become an Iowa resident.

I would think TC will prioritize getting a veteran PG as a bridge to Dilly. I could see TC going for a big score and giving up Dilly to get a guy like Derrick White. Pick 31 could be part of a package for Derrick.

To clarify yes the Wolves don't need to add a vet PF option but adding one via the draft makes some sense. In theory they already have their young PF/C in Miller and even to some extent as depth even Minott but I haven't seen a reason to believe the Wolves have a great deal of confidence in those guys although I think Minott could be ready for a solid bench role after playing a stretch of legit minutes last season. He also represents the only other big SF this roster has other than Jaden which is actually another spot that could use some depth.

Ultimately at 31 I want the best player available. That could even be a SG although a 3 and D shooting guard type wouldn't make a whole lot of sense but I suppose you can never have enough of those guys. Remember back when Utah picked Gobert they already had Favors and Kanter. Gobert ended up being the most impactful player out of that group.

As for trades I think it's pretty obvious the biggest need of this roster is a guard next to Edwards. The Wolves have Dillingham and Donte but I dont feel fully confident in those guys. It's also worth noting that if the Wolves were to move Donte in a deal they would be giving up shooting that they may really need. I know he struggled overall in the playoffs but losing him depending on what comes back and what if some of the younger guys don't shoot the 3 well...this roster could have a 3 point shooting problem.

Acquiring a backup C via trade...idk how much it would take. It also feels like you can sign some decent FA for the vet min if you can settle for solid enough defense and rebounding. The problem to some extent is the Wolves only have so many roster spots available depending on what they do with Garza and Minott who are guys I like but I also don't know at this point if they are worth keeping on the roster over other options.

[AussieWolf3]

As for trades I think it's pretty obvious the biggest need of this roster is a guard next to Edwards. The Wolves have Dillingham and Donte but I dont feel fully confident in those guys. It's also worth noting that if the Wolves were to move Donte in a deal they would be giving up shooting that they may really need. I know he struggled overall in the playoffs but losing him depending on what comes back and what if some of the younger guys don't shoot the 3 well...this roster could have a 3 point shooting problem.

I agree about the need at PG, but who do they trade for? The list of PG options is rather thin, underwhelming or can't be traded for. I'm genuinely asking who they could trade for that would really benefit the team.

I know White is an option, but I'm worried it would be too costly and I don't like the big swing on an older player who, while a very good player, isn't exactly an elite 2nd banana for this team. Moving from Randle to him would feel largely lateral, even though i like White more as a player.

The free agent market doesn't inspire me much either but I'm a little ignorant regarding those players as well.

[FNG]

I don’t see a viable trade for a defensive vet backup to Rudy with or without including pick 31.

I don't either, but I also didn't see TC trading KAT or trading for Rudy. He's unpredictable, and assuming he is going to hold unto Joan (and remember...most of us here assumed he was going to keep Kessler), it's logical to assume he is going to do something unexpected. But I also think he may take the safe route and pick a more NBA-ready center at 31...even if he doesn't have the upside of Joan.

Very true, FNG. As I noted in an earlier post, we shouldn’t’ be surprised if TC ends up trading both Beringer and pick 31 for a big name. I think that would be a mistake, but it would fit TC’s MO. At the same time, it’s not as if TC never takes the safer route so keeping keeping pick 31 would not surprise me either.

Who would you consider the best NBA ready center prospect remaining in this year’s draft?

Good question, Lip, and I fully admit I am not as familiar with these guys as many here. But I do notice there are 3 seniors (Reynaud, Kalkbrenner, and Broome...the runner up to Flagg for player of the year...and one junior (Fleming) who are available at 31. They all are seasoned college players and perhaps ready for rotation minutes at center. Like most here. I think Fleming has the highest upside of the 4, but I question whether he is truly a 5 but more of a 4. If TC and Finchy are convinced he is ready to be effective as a backup center this season, he would be my choice. Otherwise, I think I would be looking at Kalkbrenner. Not a very exciting choice, but one with a fairly good floor I think.

[Lipoli390]

I don't either, but I also didn't see TC trading KAT or trading for Rudy. He's unpredictable, and assuming he is going to hold unto Joan (and remember...most of us here assumed he was going to keep Kessler), it's logical to assume he is going to do something unexpected. But I also think he may take the safe route and pick a more NBA-ready center at 31...even if he doesn't have the upside of Joan.

Very true, FNG. As I noted in an earlier post, we shouldn’t’ be surprised if TC ends up trading both Beringer and pick 31 for a big name. I think that would be a mistake, but it would fit TC’s MO. At the same time, it’s not as if TC never takes the safer route so keeping keeping pick 31 would not surprise me either.

Who would you consider the best NBA ready center prospect remaining in this year’s draft?

Good question, Lip, and I fully admit I am not as familiar with these guys as many here. But I do notice there are 3 seniors (Reynaud, Kalkbrenner, and Broome...the runner up to Flagg for player of the year...and one junior (Fleming) who are available at 31. They all are seasoned college players and perhaps ready for rotation minutes at center. Like most here. I think Fleming has the highest upside of the 4, but I question whether he is truly a 5 but more of a 4. If TC and Finchy are convinced he is ready to be effective as a backup center this season, he would be my choice. Otherwise, I think I would be looking at Kalkbrenner. Not a very exciting choice, but one with a fairly good floor I think.

I also see Raynaud and Kalkbrenner as the top NBA-ready centers available at 31. Raynaud is more of an offensive player and the better rebounder while Kalkbrenner is the better interior defender/rim protector. I have the same assessment you have of Fleming. He has great size for an NBA PF but is on the smaller size as an NBA center - although his 9’1” standing reach is 2” longer than Horford’s and his 7’5.25 wingspan is on the higher side among NBA center - actually an inch more than Kessler’s.

My view is that we shouldn’t count on anyone we draft this year as Rudy’s main backup next season. Monster thinks we should draft the best available at 31 rather than draft for need. I think he’s probably right. My own view is that Fleming is the best available player who happens to also (1) fill a position of need as a defensive big; and (2) have enough college experience to potentially help right away. Horford as proved you don’t need to have anything close to Rudy’s length to be an elite defensive center. Draft evaluation is so imprecise that you can draft for need and still prioritize talent. I see Fleming as that guy who provides both with the potential to help sooner rather than later.