Minnesota Sports Forum

We’ve seen emerging speculation about the Wolves trading KAT for a high lottery pick in this year’s draft. That’s fun speculation, but the odds of it happening are slim to none. So perhaps it’s time to start speculating on what the Wolves should or will do through a more realistic lens. The fact is that the Wolves have one second-round pick this season and it’s pick #53. Of course, there will also be undrafted free agents to consider when the draft has concluded.

So I’m starting this thread to exchange and discuss thoughts on who the Wolves should consider drafting at #53 or signing if undrafted. It’s also realistic to speculate on possibly trading up in the second round by packaging #53 with future 2nd-round picks.

Based on what I’ve read about will be available around #53 or thereafter, here are some players I’d like the Wolves to look at closely.

My three favorites so far are:

1. Jazian Gortman (PG). His speed and athleticism are off the charts and he has a fantastic “ball-on-a-string” handle. I’ve read that his basketball IQ is questionable and he has yet to show a consistent 3-point shot. However, on pure talent, the Wolves have to seriously consider him if he’s available at #53.

2. Reece Beekman (PG). He seems to be a solid “does a lot of things well” player with a high basketball IQ and strong competitive streak. His stats are underwhelming and his highlights don’t blow you away like Gortman’s. Nevertheless, he cold be a Tyus Jones type and become a solid backup PG and eventual replacement for Conley.

3. Omari Moore (PG/SG): Love his length and passing. Not sure he’ll be around at #53.

Some others to consider:

Jalen Pickett
Mike Miles
Eric Gaines
Jaime Jacques Jr.
Ricky Council
Mojave King
Ousmane N’Diaye - Very raw but huge potential. Is he the next Giannis?

I have absolutely no knowledge on any of the prospects. Like literally none from the lottery on down! How refreshing, as there was a time a few years ago where I knew enough to be dangerous since the Wolves were losing so much.

That being said, we know that this is TC's sweet spot, so it makes sense to create a thread for the draft.

At pick #53, no clue.

All I know is that I wouldn't mind rooting for Drew Timme as an end of the bench guy here ala Garza.

I wouldn't mind getting a big body who could be our backup PF. Nbadraft.net has us taking Azuolas Tubelis, and I would lke that pick. Averaged 19.8/9.1 his junior year at Arizona, and is known as a pesky defender and good playmaker. Not much 3-point success in college, but his shooting has turned some heads in draft combine scrimmages.

Adama Sanogo
Jalen Pickett
Oscar Tshiebwe
Emoni Bates
Drew Timme
Zvonimir Ivisic

Thanks Lip, we needed this!

I’ll add that we shouldn’t lose track of Spagnolo — he was kind of a dud in summer league, but it seems he’s had a pretty good season playing for Trento in the Italian Serie A league, He was named the “best player under 22” in that league.

WildWolf2813 wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 5:17 pm Adama Sanogo
Jalen Pickett
Oscar Tshiebwe
Emoni Bates
Drew Timme
Zvonimir Ivisic

It is wild how far Emoni Bates has fallen. Wasn't he once touted as the #1 prospect for this draft?

This is BR so take it for whatever, but there are small write-ups on guys through pick 60 and gives some names to look into for those of us who don't follow too closely:

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/100 ... ery-reveal

TheFuture wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 6:54 pm

WildWolf2813 wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 5:17 pm Adama Sanogo
Jalen Pickett
Oscar Tshiebwe
Emoni Bates
Drew Timme
Zvonimir Ivisic

It is wild how far Emoni Bates has fallen. Wasn't he once touted as the #1 prospect for this draft?

Yup.
Still a chance he doesn't make it to 53, but if he does, wouldn't hurt at all to take a flier on him and continue his development in Iowa

Sundog wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 5:47 pm Thanks Lip, we needed this!

I’ll add that we shouldn’t lose track of Spagnolo — he was kind of a dud in summer league, but it seems he’s had a pretty good season playing for Trento in the Italian Serie A league, He was named the “best player under 22” in that league.

Didn't shoot the ball well from 3 though and he is practically worthless to us if he can't hit 3s. I get he was solid in other areas of the game, but the shooting has to come around for him to be a factor for us.