David Levine -> RE: 2018 NBA Draft (5/18/2018 10:17:42 AM)
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ESPN.com Mock Draft 20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Dzanan Musa (SF - International) Age: 19.0 / Height: 6’9” / Weight: 195 pounds I’ll be honest, I had to triple-check the spelling of this dude’s first name, so that should tell you how familiar I am with his overall game. According to Jonathan Givony, “Musa’s size, scoring instincts and aggressiveness could be intriguing at this stage of the draft. He’s one of the youngest players in this class but already productive in Europe, playing at a fairly high level.” Givony adds that this selection could be insurance for the Wolves if they do indeed lose Nemanja Bjelica to free agency. While losing Belly seems like a disaster in itself (that’s a story for another day), the Wolves could clearly use all of the things Musa brings to the table — youth, shooting, and the ability to put the ball on the floor to create for himself or his teammates. SI.com Mock Draft 20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Chandler Hutchison (SF - Boise State University) Age: 22.0 / Height: 6’7” / Weight: 193 pounds Hutchison is one of the oldest prospects projected to be drafted in the first round, but his production in the Mountain West this past season supports his case as an intriguing first round flier. As a senior at Boise State, Hutchison averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on his way to being named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. He also shot 36% from there three-point line on 4.1 attempts per game. Age aside, this is one of my favorite players projected to go in the first round, and I think the fit in Minnesota could be ideal. While I’m no Jonathan Givony, Hutchison’s game does remind me a lot of Kyle Kuzma, who was also selected late in the first round of last year’s draft before lighting up the NBA during his rookie season. Hutchison has a smooth stroke, can finish in traffic with either hand, and has the size and quickness to be able to defend multiple positions. Just the idea of Jimmy taking this kid under his wing and grooming him to be a two-way player puts a ridiculous stupid smile on my face: NBAdraft.net Mock Draft 20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Lonnie Walker (SG - University of Miami) Age: 19.4 / Height: 6’4” / Weight: 200 pounds As a freshman at Miami, Walker really struggled to put together a consistent season, averaging just 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 27.8 minutes per game. However, with a lack of pure two-guards in this draft, Walker projects to be a late lottery/mid-first round pick based on his size, elite wingspan (drink!), and crazy athleticism. How would Walker (potentially) fit in Minnesota? Well, is he young, can he shoot, does he possess the raw athleticism to be a plus defender, and is he Derrick Rose? Crossing off three of those boxes is perfect for me, and I could see Walker getting plenty of work with the second unit as the Wolves attempt to re-construct their bench this offseason: https://www.canishoopus.com/2018/5/18/17365264/mock-n-roll-wolves-edition-2018-mock-draft
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