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Ranking 5 Draft Prospects for the Timberwolves

By Andrew Neururer

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks the ball during the first half against the Troy Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks the ball during the first half against the Troy Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jayson Tatum

Height: 6′-8″ Weight: 205 lbs
Age:19
Position: Small Forward
Stats: 16.8 PPG, 7.3 REB, 34 3P%

Player Comparison: Harrison Barnes

Player Ceiling: All-Star

Player Floor: Starter

Tatum is a very interesting prospect. In one year at Duke, you can see his maturity, knowledge of the game, and his ability to shoot the ball. Tatum is arguably one of the most NBA-ready players – which is something a lot of teams look towards in a player as he won’t be a big project).

Tatum averaged almost 17 points per game while shooting 34 percent from deep. While he can shoot the ball, he is best suited from the mid-range in. Not only can he score from anywhere on the floor in a catch-and-shoot situation, but he is athletic enough to create his own shot.

With the prototypical NBA small forward somewhere around 6′-8″, Tatum will be at a great size already coming into the league. Much like Harrison Barnes, Tatum will be able to play a lot of small-ball power forward due to his size. A lot of team’s like his size because of the flexibility he will give in a lineup.

In this video from Draft Express, you can see why his size and ability to score is such a plus — not to mention his defensive upside.

With a polished offensive game, Tatum will be a little bit more work on the defensive side of the ball-much like every young player. He has a lot of upside due to his size and strength. In one year he showed a lot of promise on that side of the ball, averaging a solid 1.1 blocks per game and 1.3 steals per game.

Tatum should be able to transition well to the NBA. He’s a mature player who will be able to understand the game easily.

The only knock on Tatum is that he lacks intensity at times and can be inconsistent shooter, which is something that could correct itself over time. And intensity is something some players lack, but it doesn’t mean that he can’t be a good defender.

He will be a good scoring addition for the Wolves. They can be certain that he will eventually become a good defensive player and he won’t be a big project.

Tatum will be a good player in the next level. His maturity and understanding about the game will help him be a sure thing.

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