2022 NBA Draft Talk: Never too soon

[Dewey]

This kid is potentially intriguing. I know many are mocking him in the 2nd, but I wouldn't hate taking a chance on his upside...

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He looks like Dieng when he shoots those mid-range shots… smoother, feet move a little better, and a tad more athletic. Certainly seems he could add range to the 3pt-line. The competition here is known to me, but regardless, good hands and keeps his head up looking as he maneuvers. Not bad.

[Klomp]

https://youtu.be/24OzIzrpx3Y

Matkovic could be a steal around 48 or 50.

He's withdrawn his name

JK

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[Klomp]

This kid is potentially intriguing. I know many are mocking him in the 2nd, but I wouldn't hate taking a chance on his upside...

Spoiler:

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He looks like Dieng when he shoots those mid-range shots… a little smoother and a little more athletic.

The passing IQ is what really intrigues me. I will always take a chance on a big with that in his skill set, even if it's unpolished.

[younggunsmn]

Nuggets acquired 30 from OKC and are now positioned to jump up ahead of us from 21.
Jovic just worked out for them.
Coincidence?

[moss_is_1]

I really hope we take Moussa Diabate for a project big in the 2nd rounder. He's real raw, but he's got some skills and I really like his athleticism. Could be a switchy center, and down the line he looks like he can develop an outside shot, has a little handle, and passing ability.

[Dewey]

Nuggets acquired 30 from OKC and are now positioned to jump up ahead of us from 21.
Jovic just worked out for them.
Coincidence?

I’m guessing the same … Connelly likely had an eye for him and they are gonna show him up haha and force him to make a move… who knows

[Klomp]

Teams are obviously able to go off the board, but it's worth noting since there are already 16 names and we are slotted at 19.

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[shangrila]

Nuggets acquired 30 from OKC and are now positioned to jump up ahead of us from 21.
Jovic just worked out for them.
Coincidence?

I’m guessing the same … Connelly likely had an eye for him and they are gonna show him up haha and force him to make a move… who knows

I saw a rumour that the Nuggets love Roddy, so if true he's probably #30.

If they want Jovic they can probably get him at #21.

[shangrila]

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Tyson Etienne (Wichita State): 6-2 shooting guard that had a down year but was a 39% 3pt shooter the prior two years. No playmaking and little in the way of defensive indicators mean he's probably not an NBA player.

Jermaine Samuels (Villanova): Older Villanova forward who was, for lack of a better term, schizophrenic from 3 over his 5 year career (19, 35, 27, 37, 28 %s respectively). Decent rebounding stats but poor STL% and AST% mean he's also probably not an NBA player. But 'Nova players tend to outperform where they're drafted so Samuels might be worth keeping an eye on.

Aminu Mohammed (Georgetown): Basically Josh Okogie. He's a great defender, lots of energy and can't hit 3s. Unlike Okogie he's a far better rebounder (8.2rpg is impressive for a 6-5 guy) but can't finish around the rim (44% is horrific). Could be worth trying to get on the G League team if Okogie leaves. If he can develop a 3pt shot, like Okogie, there's a place for him in the league.

Justin Lewis (Marquette): The star of this group, 6-7 with a 7-2 wingspan and plus athleticism is a good baseline to start with. Add 17ppg and 8rpg on 50/35/76 %s and you've got a great looking prospect for the modern NBA. He's a little more raw than those numbers suggest but give him a year or 2 and he should be able to slide into a similar role to what Prince was doing for us this season.

Fanbo Zeng (GLeague Ignite): I wouldn't bother. The 6-11 height is nice but he had a brutal season and just doesn't look like an NBA player.

Kalob Ledoux (LA Tech): A fairly straightforward SG. Career 38% from 3 and...that's it. Single digit AST% is brutal for a guard and poor STL% isn't a good indicator for his defence. Not an NBA player.

[minimus]

I'm going to speak it into existence.

Watch on YouTube

A few things I found about him.

Physical tools:
* - only 6’7 without shoes
* - 7’3 wingspan
* - 255 lbs (clearly overweight)
* - very good hands

Offensive game:
* - can make any NBA level pass from high post, low post short roll. Impressive, natural passer
* - has good looking jump shot
* - can score in the post
* - good handles, but no quick first step

Defensive game:
* - atrocious defender, was targeted in PnR, ISO

My thoughts:
If he falls into late 2nd or even goes undrafted, he needs to put a LOT of work just to be acceptable NBA defender. The path might be very similar to Naz Reid: two way or Gupta contract, 20-25 lbs weight lose, and athletic preparation. He is C in current NBA based on his skills, but will play PF. In right offense he will be a quality contributor, but he needs a defensive big next to him.

[Dewey]

I'm going to speak it into existence.

Watch on YouTube

A few things I found about him.

Physical tools:
* - only 6’7 without shoes
* - 7’3 wingspan
* - 255 lbs (clearly overweight)
* - very good hands

Offensive game:
* - can make any NBA level pass from high post, low post short roll. Impressive, natural passer
* - has good looking jump shot
* - can score in the post
* - good handles, but no quick first step

Defensive game:
* - atrocious defender, was targeted in PnR, ISO

My thoughts:
If he falls into late 2nd or even goes undrafted, he needs to put a LOT of work just to be acceptable NBA defender. The path might be very similar to Naz Reid: two way or Gupta contract, 20-25 lbs weight lose, and athletic preparation. He is C in current NBA based on his skills, but will play PF. In right offense he will be a quality contributor, but he needs a defensive big next to him.

Good team defender … but ya, not so much at point of attack. The ability to set screens, pass, and rebound may get him on a bench as a role player IMO. Few players have that size/ability to back a defender down and still be an excellent distributor.

Bottom-line: he has the IQ, nimble but not quick, but if he can consistently get up and down the floor, I can see a team grabbing him.

[shrink]

Players MIN has worked out, from hoopshype:

16 Tari Eason SF LSU So
19 Jalen Williams PG Santa Clara Jr
20 EJ Liddell PF Ohio State Jr
21 Nikola Jovic SF Mega Basket (Serbia) 03
23 MarJon Beauchamp SG G League Ignite 00
24 Jaden Hardy SG G League Ignite 02
31 Bryce McGowens SG Nebraska Fr
36 Christian Braun SG Kansas Jr
45 Jean Montero PG Overtime Elite 03
46 Justin Lewis PF Marquette Fr
48 JD Davison PG Alabama Fr
49 David Roddy SF Colorado State Jr
55 Dereon Seabron SG North Carolina St So
58 Keon Ellis SG Alabama Sr
60 Dominick Barlow PF Overtime Elite 03
61 Julian Champagnie SF St. John's Jr
69 Jordan Hall SF St. Joseph's So
74 Aminu Mohammed SG Georgetown Fr

NR James Akinjo PG Baylor Jr
NR Justin Bean SF Utah State Sr
NR Brad Davison SG Wisconsin Sr
NR Tyson Etienne PG Wichita State So
NR Savion Flagg SG Sam Houston Sr
NR Jacob Gilyard PG Richmond Sr
NR Jeriah Horne SF Tulsa Sr
NR Theo John PF Duke Sr
NR Kalob Ledoux SG Santa Cruz (G League) 97
NR Brady Manek PF North Carolina Sr
NR Fatts Russell PG Maryland Sr
NR Jermaine Samuels SF Villanova Sr
NR Kerwin Walton SF North Carolina So
NR Donovan Williams SG UNLV Jr
NR Lucas Williamson SG Loyola Chicago Sr
NR Payton Willis PG Minnesota Sr
NR Fanbo Zeng PF G League Ignite 03

[moss_is_1]

Interesting Eason isn't in the green room. Would be real happy if we could grab him.

[NebWolvesFan]

Interesting Eason isn't in the green room. Would be real happy if we could grab him.

I'm also a big fan. It would be great if he fell. I'm also a big fan of Justin Lewis. He has outstanding size and a good all-around game for a huge, strong wing. I really think he will be a steal at 40 or hell with projections 48.

I also really like Ochai Agbaji - I feel he's a Beasley clone who may be a better defender. If he falls, the Wolves can trade Beasley and rely on OA and Nowell to fill the void.

[moss_is_1]

Interesting Eason isn't in the green room. Would be real happy if we could grab him.

I'm also a big fan. It would be great if he fell. I'm also a big fan of Justin Lewis. He has outstanding size and a good all-around game for a huge, strong wing. I really think he will be a steal at 40 or hell with projections 48.

I also really like Ochai Agbaji - I feel he's a Beasley clone who may be a better defender. If he falls, the Wolves can trade Beasley and rely on OA and Nowell to fill the void.

I like Ochai, a lot because I'm a jayhawks fan, but also think he has a high floor. I could see Beasley, or maybe a lesser Desmond Bane(both have those great arms).

[Nick K]

The big sleeper in this draft is Jaylin Williams from PF/C Arkansas. The kid can play and has big upside.

[SO_MONEY]

The big sleeper in this draft is Jaylin Williams from PF/C Arkansas. The kid can play and has big upside.

This draft is probably the easiest draft for the Wolves ever. Jalen Williams at #19, hopefully, Jaylin Williams at #40 or 48 if he is there. I agree his defense would be a help and he has room to grow.

[KGdaBom]

Nuggets acquired 30 from OKC and are now positioned to jump up ahead of us from 21.
Jovic just worked out for them.
Coincidence?

I’m guessing the same … Connelly likely had an eye for him and they are gonna show him up haha and force him to make a move… who knows

I saw a rumour that the Nuggets love Roddy, so if true he's probably #30.

If they want Jovic they can probably get him at #21.

Not if we take him at 19.

[KGdaBom]

I'm going to speak it into existence.

Watch on YouTube

A few things I found about him.

Physical tools:
* - only 6’7 without shoes
* - 7’3 wingspan
* - 255 lbs (clearly overweight)
* - very good hands

Offensive game:
* - can make any NBA level pass from high post, low post short roll. Impressive, natural passer
* - has good looking jump shot
* - can score in the post
* - good handles, but no quick first step

Defensive game:
* - atrocious defender, was targeted in PnR, ISO

My thoughts:
If he falls into late 2nd or even goes undrafted, he needs to put a LOT of work just to be acceptable NBA defender. The path might be very similar to Naz Reid: two way or Gupta contract, 20-25 lbs weight lose, and athletic preparation. He is C in current NBA based on his skills, but will play PF. In right offense he will be a quality contributor, but he needs a defensive big next to him.

Good team defender … but ya, not so much at point of attack. The ability to set screens, pass, and rebound may get him on a bench as a role player IMO. Few players have that size/ability to back a defender down and still be an excellent distributor.

Bottom-line: he has the IQ, nimble but not quick, but if he can consistently get up and down the floor, I can see a team grabbing him.

Minimus nothing against your post I'm just using it for a rant.

I thought the NBA went to measurements barefoot. Why do we continue to discuss with or without shoes. The previous in shoes measurements were ridiculous. We need to end this once and for all.

[KGdaBom]

Interesting Eason isn't in the green room. Would be real happy if we could grab him.

He seems like a great fit for us. Tankathon has him going 15th.