ESPN Insider Player Insight Mock Draft

[Klomp]

I guess Insider had a mock, with current players from each team picking for his team. Our player was Love. Here's how we ended in the mock:

4. Minnesota Timberwolves | Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse

"He has the ability to create off the dribble and can score in bunches. Wes is a guy who likes to get out and run, which is what we need to do. We want to be more of an up-tempo team, and he has an explosiveness you'd pay to see."
--Kevin Love, Timberwolves, F

"DeMarcus Cousins is probably the better player, but I'm sure Kevin Love doesn't want any more competition in the paint than he already has. Johnson is a great fit, but I'm not sure he has the extra gear to become a superstar."
--Chad Ford


16. Minnesota Timberwolves | Paul George, SF, Fresno St.

"We need shooters who can stretch the D and open up the paint for our interior guys. We've been effective when our inside/outside game is on. That's why Paul would be a good fit for us."
--Kevin Love, Timberwolves, F

"Apparently Love has been reading my mock draft. We've had George here for weeks. Pair him with Wesley Johnson and the Wolves go a long way toward solving their perimeter problems."
--Chad Ford


23. Minnesota Timberwolves | Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier

"We're a team that could use some vets, so I don't know if we'll keep all three picks. But if we could get Jordan at 23 maybe we would. People still talk about that summer league dunk on LeBron. It was one play, but it shows he's got some good tools."
--Kevin Love, Timberwolves, F

"Kevin Love knows his stuff. Crawford's the sleeper of the draft and, if you can't tell by now, Love would love a few more shooters to open up the floor for him. Dude's gonna be a GM someday."
--Chad Ford

[funkatron101]

Why does he keep failing Kevin Love?

[IAmTheTruth]

Love and I seem to think alike. I figure we're going to trade the 16 and/or the 23, but those are the guys I would take (if they were available).

[Esohny]

I don't agree on #4, totally agree on #16, and can't argue too much against his choice at #23. I think his choice at 4 has to do (at least partially) with him not wanting us to take a big and leave him on the trading block.

[karch34]

They have the picks in ESPN the magazine minus Ford's comments. None of the players picked a player at their position, unless you count Matt Bonner taking Gordon Hayward.

It also had a comment from Crawford saying "I've been following Kevin since his AAU Days. He's one of the best passing big men. It'd be great to run with him."

You can argue Cousins vs. Johnson, but that would be a nice draft.

[Gunny]

I'd be really happy if that's how the draft ended up.

[PHTown]

I would definately be placated by the Johnson at four if we also got George and Crawford. You would think at least one of them would pan out and solidify a wing position. Also...me likey georgey.

[Foye]

I like picks #16 and #23 but still we've gotta at least get some assets for Cousins the clear #4 pick in this years draft.

[horaceworthy]

I wonder if the picks would have been Cousins, Patterson and Alabi had they gone with Brewer as the fake GM instead.

[shangrila]

I wonder if the picks would have been Cousins, Patterson and Alabi had they gone with Brewer as the fake GM instead.

Probably not. Not picking Cousins was kind of obvious but everyone on that team knows they've got bigs but need wings.

[Busch Legion]

George at 16 yes definitely, but if he's gone I think you need to take a C here, we need one. A project C since Darko is prolly comin back, Whiteside/Alabi? Or maybe get Jerome Jordan in the second round, or with the 23rd.