Ford - Mock 6.0

[bleedspeed]

Wolves take:

Karl-Anthony Towns is the No. 1-ranked player on my Big Board. However, virtually all the signals from sources inside the Wolves point to Jahlil Okafor being Flip Saunders' favorite right now. That obviously can change as we get closer to the draft. Workouts and interviews and lobbying from staff (I hear most of the rest of the staff favors Towns) could push Towns back atop. And after watching Towns' workout Monday, I believe that the Wolves will figure this out in favor of Towns. Towns has tremendous upside, no glaring weaknesses and he's a better fit in Minnesota, in my opinion, than Okafor. He has the highest ceiling of any player in the draft and I think his impact will come sooner rather than later. And do not totally discount here either. I am told Saunders is also a big fan and might be willing to move Ricky Rubio for the right deal.

[slimcalhoun27 [enjin:6640095]]

Good stuff...I'm getting more and more amped up for this draft.

I too am a fan Towns, not because I like his game any better then Okafor, but feel he can be a better two way player then Okafor. If Flip is set on moving the team forward with versatile multi position style skill set players, then Towns at #1 is a no brainer. But if Pek is still here, Okafor is not a good fit for the Wolves IMO. Something has to be shaken up.

I also feel Rubio could be moved...I got a sour feeling this may be a very active summer for a few players (Pek, Rubio, Budinger, Bennett)

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

What would everyone think of a Rubio/31 for Exum/12?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

"And do not totally discount here either. I am told Saunders is also a big fan and might be willing to move Ricky Rubio for the right deal."

I assume this is referring to D'Angelo Russell? I still don't see how Flip could get up to No. 2 or No. 3 to get him. If it actually is possible, then by all means, make the move.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

What would everyone think of a Rubio/31 for Exum/12?

No, thanks. The next point guard we get needs to be able to shoot. Exum's a very good defender with a quick first step offensively, but that's essentially it right now. Rubio's leaps and bounds better running an offense and controlling the game.

[kekgeek]

I don't trade rubio, he is a top 5 point gaurd in everything besides shooting. We focus to much on the thing he can't do instead of what he can do. IMO

[thedoper]

What would everyone think of a Rubio/31 for Exum/12?

I think it's probably fair value but I'm not thrilled about Exum or the 12 spot. I'd prefer a look at more of a traditional pg in the draft at this position. Not sure about that Payne kid from Murray state. If somehow we could get back in the Muiday range by only trading Rubio I would be much more excited.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I don't trade rubio, he is a top 5 point gaurd in everything besides shooting. We focus to much on the thing he can't do instead of what he can do. IMO

It's not one thing. He can't shoot and he can't finish at the basket which are two of the most important pieces of scoring. The problem is the total scoring package, not just the shooting. He has the ball in his hands more than anyone else and he can't score the basketball. That's a huge problem. He doesn't need to be an elite scorer, but how many games has he even scored 20 points in his career? He's not even close to a good scorer. He needs to score 15-20 PPG's to take that next step otherwise if he is capped out at 10/9/5 I don't see how he can be even the 4th best player on a good team. I just think your primary ball handler needs to be able to score even if he is still a pass first PG to be able to keep teams honest and not have you playing 4 on 5 especially in clutch situations where they'll take away other options and force him to beat them.

[bleedspeed]

Rubio, AB, Bjelica, Dieng, Martin, 31st, and 35th pick to LA for #2. Rubio will help them get Love to sign over the summer. We take Towns and Russell and everyone is happy.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Or the Lakers could take Towns when we pass on him, then sign Love in free agency. Then they're sitting pretty.