2020 NBA Draft Prospects: Thread II

[Klomp]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/259641/247-Sports-Analyst-Josh-Gershon-To-Join-Timberwolves

I still think this is one of the most interesting pickups of the offseason. I don't see how much more input Josh could provide on this 2020 draft class that is not already known. His hiring speaks more to future drafts, specifically 2021 and what could be the double draft of 2022. If you take into account that the Wolves have already dumped their 2021 draft picks to the Warriors in the Russell-Wiggins trade, it stands to reason that they are looking to pick up future draft picks by moving around in this draft.

I wouldn't necessarily say that. With shortened season and limited in-person workout opportunities, the more insight the better.

[SmokeyPaw]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/259641/247-Sports-Analyst-Josh-Gershon-To-Join-Timberwolves

I still think this is one of the most interesting pickups of the offseason. I don't see how much more input Josh could provide on this 2020 draft class that is not already known. His hiring speaks more to future drafts, specifically 2021 and what could be the double draft of 2022. If you take into account that the Wolves have already dumped their 2021 draft picks to the Warriors in the Russell-Wiggins trade, it stands to reason that they are looking to pick up future draft picks by moving around in this draft.

The top three picks on this draft, in no particular order, bump right up against the three best players on our roster Towns-Russell-Beasley to Wiseman-Ball-Edwards. If there was ever a time to trade down in a draft for the Wolves, now is the year. For many of us, the goal when putting together trade packages, was to bring back an early lottery pick this year. My question to group is this. Is there a scenario where you would trade for a rotational player, that's not league superstar like Booker, Beal or Simmons, a late lottery pick this year and a future pick in 2021 or 2022 for the #1 pick this year. I'll toss a team out first just to get the conversation rolling.

There are two players that I really covet in this draft for the Wolves. Patrick Williams and Precious Achiuwa. I think we have a chance of getting precious at #17, but Patrick Williams will be long gone by then. The one team I would consider working a trade with for the #1 pick would be the Phoenix Suns for their 10th pick. They have young players that fit our timeline and I would be okay with trading for future picks, because I see them still in the late lottery to middle parts of the draft in 2021 and 2022.

I've toyed with the idea of 10th + Bridges + something else for #1. If you dont like the risk profile at the top of the draft, then taking bridges as a high level 3D role player similiar to Covington is interesting.

A problem is that the suns would have basically the same fit/need issues as we do with Wiseman, Ball or Edwards since they have Ayton, Rubio and Booker at those positions. Question how motivated they are to move up to 1.

If Pascucci et al can identify someone at the top that they believe will develop into a star, I think they should run with that regardless of need. You can sort out the rest later.

[Macwolf527]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/259641/247-Sports-Analyst-Josh-Gershon-To-Join-Timberwolves

I still think this is one of the most interesting pickups of the offseason. I don't see how much more input Josh could provide on this 2020 draft class that is not already known. His hiring speaks more to future drafts, specifically 2021 and what could be the double draft of 2022. If you take into account that the Wolves have already dumped their 2021 draft picks to the Warriors in the Russell-Wiggins trade, it stands to reason that they are looking to pick up future draft picks by moving around in this draft.

I wouldn't necessarily say that. With shortened season and limited in-person workout opportunities, the more insight the better.

But, what type of information would Josh be privy to that could not be gained through evaluation at the college level and beyond high school against better competition. I’m curious to know what info he would have that warrants his hiring. Again, I would buy that for future drafts beyond this one, but college tape should pretty much show it all.

[Macwolf527]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/259641/247-Sports-Analyst-Josh-Gershon-To-Join-Timberwolves

I still think this is one of the most interesting pickups of the offseason. I don't see how much more input Josh could provide on this 2020 draft class that is not already known. His hiring speaks more to future drafts, specifically 2021 and what could be the double draft of 2022. If you take into account that the Wolves have already dumped their 2021 draft picks to the Warriors in the Russell-Wiggins trade, it stands to reason that they are looking to pick up future draft picks by moving around in this draft.

The top three picks on this draft, in no particular order, bump right up against the three best players on our roster Towns-Russell-Beasley to Wiseman-Ball-Edwards. If there was ever a time to trade down in a draft for the Wolves, now is the year. For many of us, the goal when putting together trade packages, was to bring back an early lottery pick this year. My question to group is this. Is there a scenario where you would trade for a rotational player, that's not league superstar like Booker, Beal or Simmons, a late lottery pick this year and a future pick in 2021 or 2022 for the #1 pick this year. I'll toss a team out first just to get the conversation rolling.

There are two players that I really covet in this draft for the Wolves. Patrick Williams and Precious Achiuwa. I think we have a chance of getting precious at #17, but Patrick Williams will be long gone by then. The one team I would consider working a trade with for the #1 pick would be the Phoenix Suns for their 10th pick. They have young players that fit our timeline and I would be okay with trading for future picks, because I see them still in the late lottery to middle parts of the draft in 2021 and 2022.

Could Patrick Williams be gone by pick 17? Sure. Will he? Probably, but not without question. The draft can be very surprising. Precious might be the one gone and Williams the one available. Aren't the two of them kind of redundant or would you like to see us go for both of them?

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league. We need someone to throw at guys like Durant, Leonard, James, Butler, and Siakam...etc, those big scoring forwards who are mobile. Whereas Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense at the rim.

[KGdaBom]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/259641/247-Sports-Analyst-Josh-Gershon-To-Join-Timberwolves

I still think this is one of the most interesting pickups of the offseason. I don't see how much more input Josh could provide on this 2020 draft class that is not already known. His hiring speaks more to future drafts, specifically 2021 and what could be the double draft of 2022. If you take into account that the Wolves have already dumped their 2021 draft picks to the Warriors in the Russell-Wiggins trade, it stands to reason that they are looking to pick up future draft picks by moving around in this draft.

The top three picks on this draft, in no particular order, bump right up against the three best players on our roster Towns-Russell-Beasley to Wiseman-Ball-Edwards. If there was ever a time to trade down in a draft for the Wolves, now is the year. For many of us, the goal when putting together trade packages, was to bring back an early lottery pick this year. My question to group is this. Is there a scenario where you would trade for a rotational player, that's not league superstar like Booker, Beal or Simmons, a late lottery pick this year and a future pick in 2021 or 2022 for the #1 pick this year. I'll toss a team out first just to get the conversation rolling.

There are two players that I really covet in this draft for the Wolves. Patrick Williams and Precious Achiuwa. I think we have a chance of getting precious at #17, but Patrick Williams will be long gone by then. The one team I would consider working a trade with for the #1 pick would be the Phoenix Suns for their 10th pick. They have young players that fit our timeline and I would be okay with trading for future picks, because I see them still in the late lottery to middle parts of the draft in 2021 and 2022.

Could Patrick Williams be gone by pick 17? Sure. Will he? Probably, but not without question. The draft can be very surprising. Precious might be the one gone and Williams the one available. Aren't the two of them kind of redundant or would you like to see us go for both of them?

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league, where as Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense.

I think we can get one without finagling, but maybe neither. It would take some serious finagling to get both. Williams isn't much of a 3 guy. Less than 2 attempts a game at 32%.

[Macwolf527]

Could Patrick Williams be gone by pick 17? Sure. Will he? Probably, but not without question. The draft can be very surprising. Precious might be the one gone and Williams the one available. Aren't the two of them kind of redundant or would you like to see us go for both of them?

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league, where as Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense.

I think we can get one without finagling, but maybe neither. It would take some serious finagling to get both. Williams isn't much of a 3 guy. Less than 2 attempts a game at 32%.

He’s not a knock down shooter, but he shoots respectable enough to NOT take away from the rest of his game while on the floor. I notice he shot better from the arc the 2nd half on the season, which demonstrates improvement in that area. Shot 48.3% from 3pt area in home games, something worth considering.

[KGdaBom]

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league, where as Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense.

I think we can get one without finagling, but maybe neither. It would take some serious finagling to get both. Williams isn't much of a 3 guy. Less than 2 attempts a game at 32%.

He’s not a knock down shooter, but he shoots respectable enough to NOT take away from the rest of his game while on the floor. I notice he shot better from the arc the 2nd half on the season, which demonstrates improvement in that area. Shot 48.3% from 3pt area in home games, something worth considering.

So he must have sucked incredibly badly on the road. 84% FTs on the other hand is amazing.

[Klomp]

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league. We need someone to throw at guys like Durant, Leonard, James, Butler, and Siakam...etc, those big scoring forwards who are mobile. Whereas Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense at the rim.

This is a good point. If you're looking to fill in areas the team doesn't already have, adding a little extra forward size would probably be a good way to go.

[KGdaBom]

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league. We need someone to throw at guys like Durant, Leonard, James, Butler, and Siakam...etc, those big scoring forwards who are mobile. Whereas Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense at the rim.

This is a good point. If you're looking to fill in areas the team doesn't already have, adding a little extra forward size would probably be a good way to go.

Okongwu has excellent forward size to go along with being the best defender in the draft and a lightning quick offensive player with potential to add a good jump shot. Go Wolves.

[Klomp]

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league. We need someone to throw at guys like Durant, Leonard, James, Butler, and Siakam...etc, those big scoring forwards who are mobile. Whereas Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense at the rim.

This is a good point. If you're looking to fill in areas the team doesn't already have, adding a little extra forward size would probably be a good way to go.

Okongwu has excellent forward size to go along with being the best defender in the draft and a lightning quick offensive player with potential to add a good jump shot. Go Wolves.

Have you checked if Okongwu needs a PR hype man? Because you're overqualified for the position.

[KGdaBom]

This is a good point. If you're looking to fill in areas the team doesn't already have, adding a little extra forward size would probably be a good way to go.

Okongwu has excellent forward size to go along with being the best defender in the draft and a lightning quick offensive player with potential to add a good jump shot. Go Wolves.

Have you checked if Okongwu needs a PR hype man? Because you're overqualified for the position.

I'm very qualified, but would it pay a six figure salary for the next six years? I need that security before retirement. Go Wolves.

[shangrila]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/259641/247-Sports-Analyst-Josh-Gershon-To-Join-Timberwolves

I still think this is one of the most interesting pickups of the offseason. I don't see how much more input Josh could provide on this 2020 draft class that is not already known. His hiring speaks more to future drafts, specifically 2021 and what could be the double draft of 2022. If you take into account that the Wolves have already dumped their 2021 draft picks to the Warriors in the Russell-Wiggins trade, it stands to reason that they are looking to pick up future draft picks by moving around in this draft.

The top three picks on this draft, in no particular order, bump right up against the three best players on our roster Towns-Russell-Beasley to Wiseman-Ball-Edwards. If there was ever a time to trade down in a draft for the Wolves, now is the year. For many of us, the goal when putting together trade packages, was to bring back an early lottery pick this year. My question to group is this. Is there a scenario where you would trade for a rotational player, that's not league superstar like Booker, Beal or Simmons, a late lottery pick this year and a future pick in 2021 or 2022 for the #1 pick this year. I'll toss a team out first just to get the conversation rolling.

There are two players that I really covet in this draft for the Wolves. Patrick Williams and Precious Achiuwa. I think we have a chance of getting precious at #17, but Patrick Williams will be long gone by then. The one team I would consider working a trade with for the #1 pick would be the Phoenix Suns for their 10th pick. They have young players that fit our timeline and I would be okay with trading for future picks, because I see them still in the late lottery to middle parts of the draft in 2021 and 2022.

Could Patrick Williams be gone by pick 17? Sure. Will he? Probably, but not without question. The draft can be very surprising. Precious might be the one gone and Williams the one available. Aren't the two of them kind of redundant or would you like to see us go for both of them?

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league. We need someone to throw at guys like Durant, Leonard, James, Butler, and Siakam...etc, those big scoring forwards who are mobile. Whereas Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense at the rim.

I don't see the point in doubling up either. Precious and Williams overlap enough that you'd be better off just picking one then addressing another need at the other picks. Not to mention I'm not sure if Precious is worth going at with the 17 when you can get Paul Reed at 33 who's remarkably similar in every statistical category and age.

[Baseline81]

Based on this tweet, it doesn't bode well for those wanting Edwards.

Read on Twitter

[Baseline81]

Had me thinking of Maxey until the last sentence.

Read on Twitter

[Macwolf527]

Could Patrick Williams be gone by pick 17? Sure. Will he? Probably, but not without question. The draft can be very surprising. Precious might be the one gone and Williams the one available. Aren't the two of them kind of redundant or would you like to see us go for both of them?

I want both because they give you tough defense from 3-5, which is what we lack. If you notice the players on our team, 6’8”+ in height, none are really defensive juggernauts. It’s the clash they provide versus the current roster. Williams is the big 3 and D guy to throw at the big SF’s in the league. We need someone to throw at guys like Durant, Leonard, James, Butler, and Siakam...etc, those big scoring forwards who are mobile. Whereas Precious provides that interior toughness, rebounding and defense at the rim.

I don't see the point in doubling up either. Precious and Williams overlap enough that you'd be better off just picking one then addressing another need at the other picks. Not to mention I'm not sure if Precious is worth going at with the 17 when you can get Paul Reed at 33 who's remarkably similar in every statistical category and age.

I don’t see this as doubling up, when the need is so great. There’s a reason the Wolves have been such a poor defensive team. The lack mobility with players of size. That’s why Toronto is such a good defensive team. They have players like OG and Pascal with length that can switch out on the perimeter and drop down into the paint to contest. We don’t have one player who fits that mode. All our players with mobility to guard in space are 6’6” and below (Okogie & Culver), and until proof shows it, they can’t shoot. And our bigs are slow to adjust at the rim to contest drives. When you have guards who can’t guard on the perimeter (Russell & Beasley) and centers who do not block shots (Towns & Reid), you must compensate at the 3&4 spots to cover up their defensive weaknesses.

[Neeva]

Had me thinking of Maxey until the last sentence.

Read on Twitter

Maybe Rosas does not think Maxey will last till 17 but if he does Rosas will snatch him up.
I think I am starting to get used to a Ball/Maxey future backcourt, both have future all star potential.

[old school 34]

Had me thinking of Maxey until the last sentence.

Read on Twitter

Maybe Rosas does not think Maxey will last till 17 but if he does Rosas will snatch him up.
I think I am starting to get used to a Ball/Maxey future backcourt, both have future all star potential.

I am not a Maxey guy the more I watched him....wanted to like him & like some effort things about him but don't see the high end ceiling like some do...he's kind of the pj wash version of g's maybe? Be solid...just not needle mover imo....but KY guys can have some hidden skillset that you don't see coming once in nba sometimes? Vassell is the high floor low ceiling guy that I feel has a little higher ceiling & some skills that we might not have seen just yet...but exact same argument can be made ....all eye of the beholder...We'll see....it's what makes the draft fun.

Sent from my SM-G973U using RealGM mobile app

[old school 34]

Had me thinking of Maxey until the last sentence.

Read on Twitter

The first thing I thought of when I saw that quote....is don't we really have like 4 guys that really should be filling pretty close to that role & if they can't...isn't there value to the team significantly lower? Thinking of: Beasley, Okogie, Culver, and Nowell...guess you could include Evans as well, but think most have already assumed his eventual fate at least as a wolf?

Sent from my SM-G973U using RealGM mobile app

[KGdaBom]

Had me thinking of Maxey until the last sentence.

Read on Twitter

Maybe Rosas does not think Maxey will last till 17 but if he does Rosas will snatch him up.
I think I am starting to get used to a Ball/Maxey future backcourt, both have future all star potential.

You and your Maxey all star talk. If NBA teams think he has good all star potential he will be picked in the top 5. If that happens I can accept you may be right. However, my best guess is he will be available at 17 and I have strong doubts about the Wolves snatching him up. Personally I'd much prefer a Pokusevski, Bey by 2, Tyrell Terry, Nesmith pick.

[KGdaBom]

Based on this tweet, it doesn't bode well for those wanting Edwards.

Read on Twitter

I don't see any ill bodings for Edwards from this.