2022 NBA Draft Talk: Never too soon

[Mattya]

Us included.

The only player older than a sophomore we got from the draft since Rosas and most of the current regime were around was Wright and he was an UDFA.

I can see this change, with Rosas it was understandable that we went for highest potential. I was dissappointed that we could not get Xavier Tillman, but I love MCD and Bolmaro potential.

Is there another Xavier Tillman in 2022 draft?

Nah, I think it's just their draft philosophy. I can't remember where, or if it was from Morey or Rosas (but definitely someone from that tree), but I saw someone say the draft is for upside, not for roleplayers. You get role players in FA.

Wolves have done pretty well finding role players in the draft. It seems they look for unheralded players in the second round compared to drafting older players in the first.

[shangrila]

I can see this change, with Rosas it was understandable that we went for highest potential. I was dissappointed that we could not get Xavier Tillman, but I love MCD and Bolmaro potential.

Is there another Xavier Tillman in 2022 draft?

Nah, I think it's just their draft philosophy. I can't remember where, or if it was from Morey or Rosas (but definitely someone from that tree), but I saw someone say the draft is for upside, not for roleplayers. You get role players in FA.

Wolves have done pretty well finding role players in the draft. It seems they look for unheralded players in the second round compared to drafting older players in the first.

I'm talking specifically about guys whose ceilings project as role players. Guys like Wendell Moore or Ochai Agbaji from this draft. Older prospects that you go "yeah, I could see them being a solid player in a rotation for 10 years". Or, basically, finished products.

Not guys like McDaniels or Nowell where you can say "oh yeah, I see how they can grow into something more". That's the kind of guys they target.

So to go back to the original post I replied to, a guy like Tillman wouldn't be on our radar (and for the record, I'm not saying I agree with this. Just that it's the trend our FO seems to have).

[old school 34]

I started digging into these guys after getting past trade deadline still with all our picks. And still no guarantee that we keep them all, in fact, very doubtful that we keep all 4. But here's where I'm leaning early.

Really want to pull of say a deal similar to Memphis did last year...identify your late lottery guy & use Beas & picks to get where you need to.....the guy I want is TyTy Washington....he may be climbing beyond our range...but he'd for sure be my target with a bullet. Pretty complete PG prospect...plays off ball a lot in typical KY fashion with their freshman pg's...that kind of hides some of their skills some @ the NBA level....can play some D as well...still can't have enough playmaker types. Keegan Murray would be another guy that I'd jump up for, but Washington significantly higher for me.

2nd rounder or late 1sts (if need to move around for them)...

1) Ousmane Dieng...really need Was to probably start losing to move up in that 2nd round to get him or trade into bottom of 1st. He's a French version of Jaden McDaniels...raw, long, skinny & some above average perimeter skills. And if he's willing to stay over in Australia for a year or two...all the better....he's a home run swing for sure, but you have a successful development template that worked out for a player very similar to him.

2) Oscar Tshiebwe...KY post...undersized 5 that offensively just a lob threat & garbage man type. But extremely big motor & his rebounding #'s are insane. Our greatest need is rebounding & it's the most translatable stat to the nba...NBA... so get me one of the best in the draft...in the 2nd round...& KY guy (that rarely completely bust)...easy pick

3) Johnny Juzang...again don't expect to keep all 4 picks, but if I can get one of the best shooters in mid to late 2nd...I don't care if he's a 1-trick pony...I want complicate it (especially if Beas is one of your most likely pieces that could still get moved).

Get me close to this list & that would be a best case scenario imo?

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[shangrila]

It's a neat idea, but I doubt anyone has much interest in Beasley. Between his legal troubles and the fact he's a shooter barely at league average %s...I don't think it's going to appeal to a lot of teams. Maybe salary reasons? But then you're talking about probably moving up to the top 10 for a guy like Washington and a lot of those teams will be either younger teams without bad salaries or teams with really bad salaries that we probably don't want to touch.

The one team that does stand out however is the Kings. Not because they're stupid, but because they need off ball shooters to play alongside Fox and Sabonis. They might be willing to take a chance on him, issues included, just because their need there is so great.

[old school 34]

It's a neat idea, but I doubt anyone has much interest in Beasley. Between his legal troubles and the fact he's a shooter barely at league average %s...I don't think it's going to appeal to a lot of teams. Maybe salary reasons? But then you're talking about probably moving up to the top 10 for a guy like Washington and a lot of those teams will be either younger teams without bad salaries or teams with really bad salaries that we probably don't want to touch.

The one team that does stand out however is the Kings. Not because they're stupid, but because they need off ball shooters to play alongside Fox and Sabonis. They might be willing to take a chance on him, issues included, just because their need there is so great.

Yeah, Kings was on my list. Pacers because a potential swap from a financial standpoint to get Beasley over Buddy's deal, or does Portland get desperate enough in their quick rebuild around Dame. And it does require taking on a worse contract most likely....ideally, it's bad money that you're off of before extensions kick in? And obviously, it only makes sense if they evaluate & target that right kind of rook like Memphis did. Zaire may take a bit, but long term he's really going to give them another super valuable piece...so that would be the hope (if it goes bad...it kind of turns into a Culver deal), but still believe the thought process there was right...we just didn't 100% execute there as Garland was the true target.

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[Mamba4Goat]

Wolves 1st: Brown or Hardy
Wiz 2nd: Besson or Dieng
Wolves 2nd: Roko
Nuggets 2nd: T Williams

Would be a very solid draft for me (if we keep all picks and get Roko to stay overseas or take a two-way and get Williams on a two-way as well.)

[Mattya]

6’7, will be 20 when drafted, 50, 40, 80 shooting percentages, gets the the line, looks comfortable creating space with smooth step backs, looks pretty athletic off of one foot. That’s the no brainer at the top of the second round for me.

Watch on YouTube

[Mattya]

Another mid-late second rounder that is pretty interesting to me. Decent shot, seems to not be afraid to put the ball on the floor, makes some good reads once he drives, looks comfortable with post moves, looks pretty strong with decent mobility, and a good defensive rebounder.

Watch on YouTube

[shrink]

It's a neat idea, but I doubt anyone has much interest in Beasley. Between his legal troubles and the fact he's a shooter barely at league average %s...I don't think it's going to appeal to a lot of teams.

I think Malik Beasley’s trade value is higher in actual front offices than it is with general fans.

First, there is direct evidence

Boston explored a deal that would send Josh Richardson and one of either Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith to Minnesota for Malik Beasley, but Minnesota was not interested at the time

Second, internet fans often claim that, “my team only takes on high character guys,” but a brief look at any team’s history shows that each front office continually looks the other way when they think a player has a skillset they can use.

Finally, Beasley’s league average %’s are coming at extreme volumes. Dane Moore pointed out that it is probably unreasonable to expect 40% shooting if a player’s role is to put up this many attempts. They are going to include far more difficult shots than a guy that puts up a third as many, on easy, unguarded, catch and shoots.

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[Colbinii]

Big fan of trading the pick with salary to add an average to above average starter to the roster

[Neeva]

Nah keep the pick this draft is a lot better than last years. I think wolves could get a nice prospect in teens.

[Klomp]

I know the prevailing opinion is that we need a PF or C to balance out the roster, but consider this....

I think we could use any position. Some see a loaded backcourt, but it's not one loaded with guys who have cemented their place here. After Edwards and Russell, it's a will-be-34 Beverley, inconsistent Beasley and unproven McLaughlin, Nowell and Bolmaro. Behind McDaniels on the wing is not much, as well. There are a lot of minutes up for grabs.

[Klomp]

https://theathletic.com/3127230/2022/02/17/2022-nba-mock-draft-5-0-chet-holmgren-at-no-1-aj-griffin-in-top-5-questions-abound-with-this-years-class/

17. Minnesota Timberwolves
Patrick Baldwin Jr. | 6-9 forward | 19 years old | Milwaukee

Forgive me for being a broken record, but this is another pure wild card. Patrick Baldwin Jr. is all over the map when you talk to scouts. Some are willing to entirely overlook what has been an unmitigated disaster of a freshman season at Milwaukee and taking him around the end of the lottery. Others are not. Right now, Baldwin is averaging 12 points and six rebounds while shooting 34 percent from the field and 26 percent from 3 in the Horizon League. That is bad. But a lot of it can be chalked up to circumstance, if you want to make that case. He’s a non-shot creator who ends up having to do too much on offense far too regularly. He’d be much better off at a place like Duke where he could have shots created for him and could use those pristine shooting mechanics to hit open looks. Indeed, it’s not an exaggeration to say he has not gotten many clean opportunities this season. Per Synergy, Baldwin has taken just seven uncontested 3-pointers this season in 11 games, an impossibly low number that exemplifies how disastrous the team’s guards have been. The team has a bottom-20 offense in the country, a number that is bad for a mid-major team with a five-star, McDonald’s All-American forward who should theoretically be able to shoot the lights out. Scouts also have been unimpressed with his overall effort level. It’s not an exaggeration to say Baldwin would have one of the worst profiles in terms of production for competition level of any player selected in the first round in the last decade. But there are plenty of scouts who are still interested and see the same guy who was a consensus top-five recruit in the country. I’ll be completely honest: I have no idea what direction this will go.

This is the type of upside pick that would profile similarly to Jaden McDaniels. We don't need shot creators. We need shot makers.

Watch on YouTube

[mplsfonz23]

https://theathletic.com/3127230/2022/02/17/2022-nba-mock-draft-5-0-chet-holmgren-at-no-1-aj-griffin-in-top-5-questions-abound-with-this-years-class/

17. Minnesota Timberwolves
Patrick Baldwin Jr. | 6-9 forward | 19 years old | Milwaukee

Forgive me for being a broken record, but this is another pure wild card. Patrick Baldwin Jr. is all over the map when you talk to scouts. Some are willing to entirely overlook what has been an unmitigated disaster of a freshman season at Milwaukee and taking him around the end of the lottery. Others are not. Right now, Baldwin is averaging 12 points and six rebounds while shooting 34 percent from the field and 26 percent from 3 in the Horizon League. That is bad. But a lot of it can be chalked up to circumstance, if you want to make that case. He’s a non-shot creator who ends up having to do too much on offense far too regularly. He’d be much better off at a place like Duke where he could have shots created for him and could use those pristine shooting mechanics to hit open looks. Indeed, it’s not an exaggeration to say he has not gotten many clean opportunities this season. Per Synergy, Baldwin has taken just seven uncontested 3-pointers this season in 11 games, an impossibly low number that exemplifies how disastrous the team’s guards have been. The team has a bottom-20 offense in the country, a number that is bad for a mid-major team with a five-star, McDonald’s All-American forward who should theoretically be able to shoot the lights out. Scouts also have been unimpressed with his overall effort level. It’s not an exaggeration to say Baldwin would have one of the worst profiles in terms of production for competition level of any player selected in the first round in the last decade. But there are plenty of scouts who are still interested and see the same guy who was a consensus top-five recruit in the country. I’ll be completely honest: I have no idea what direction this will go.

This is the type of upside pick that would profile similarly to Jaden McDaniels. We don't need shot creators. We need shot makers.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, but we need D more. We got "shot makers."

Edit* If we need shot makers, does MarJon Beauchamp do anything or you?

[Klomp]

This is the type of upside pick that would profile similarly to Jaden McDaniels. We don't need shot creators. We need shot makers.

Yeah, but we need D more. We got "shot makers."

I'm not sure I agree. After the top three, there aren't a ton who evoke confidence to hit key shots. In the current rotation, Prince (a to-be FA) is the only one shooting 36% from 3-point range. This team is building itself more on offense than defense (guys quoted saying Top 5 offense, top 15 defense is goal).

Baldwin could have a Cam Johnson-type rookie year easily.

[mplsfonz23]

This is the type of upside pick that would profile similarly to Jaden McDaniels. We don't need shot creators. We need shot makers.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah, but we need D more. We got "shot makers."

I'm not sure I agree. After the top three, there aren't a ton who evoke confidence to hit key shots. In the current rotation, Prince (a to-be FA) is the only one shooting 36% from 3-point range. This team is building itself more on offense than defense (guys quoted saying Top 5 offense, top 15 defense is goal).

Baldwin could have a Cam Johnson-type rookie year easily.

I tend to look at the quality of the opponents he's playing. Also, highlights don't tell it all. I look at the "low effort" from those who watch him. Can he change? Sure. But Wiggins taught me not to get my hopes up.

[Klomp]

I tend to look at the quality of the opponents he's playing. Also, highlights don't tell it all. I look at the "low effort" from those who watch him. Can he change? Sure. But Wiggins taught me not to get my hopes up.

I've always been a "transferable skills" guy. Why I went in on LaVine hard before almost anyone on here. That stroke is money. Give him a Towns and Edwards and Russell to take pressure off him and I think he could feast.

I get the low effort rap, but sometimes it's about putting guys in position to succeed. Wiggins as an alpha creator isn't his role, but playing off other great players allows him to play better as we're seeing this year. I think Baldwin might be a victim of circumstances. He didn't put himself in a position to succeed by going to Milwaukee. It's easy to look. great playing alongside other great talents.

[shrink]

Can we find another MCD, or OG Anunoby or Jimmy Butler type of comboforward? I mean replacing Taurean Prince with a high level defender will be huge.

Keegan Murray looks like that kind of player. I doubt he's around at 14-18, but he is 21 already, so maybe he takes a fall like Brandon Clarke did a couple of years ago. Teams love drafting 19 year olds.

I hope you’re right. I love this kid - so smooth, all the skills, and completely collected at all times.

nba draft.net has us getting him in their March 5 consensus.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/consensus/

[moss_is_1]

Can we find another MCD, or OG Anunoby or Jimmy Butler type of comboforward? I mean replacing Taurean Prince with a high level defender will be huge.

Keegan Murray looks like that kind of player. I doubt he's around at 14-18, but he is 21 already, so maybe he takes a fall like Brandon Clarke did a couple of years ago. Teams love drafting 19 year olds.

I hope you’re right. I love this kid - so smooth, all the skills, and completely collected at all times.

nba draft.net has us getting him in their March 5 consensus.

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/consensus/

Murray is shooting up boards. He would really nice to replace Prince. Have him, Jaden, and Vando playing the 3/4.

I hope we take some draft and stash guys, or use them to move up and grab someone we really like.

[KGdaBom]

We're drafting 30th. So quit talking about guys in the top 20.