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Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Profile: Mitchell Robinson

By Trey Flynn

A wide angle view of the logo of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
A wide angle view of the logo of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: A wide angle view of the logo in the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room before the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 16, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: A wide angle view of the logo in the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room before the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 16, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Timberwolves were in dire need of a big man this season, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns not improving on the defensive end. Mitchell Robinson could be their guy when it starts getting rough in the paint.

If you’re the Timberwolves, Gorgui Dieng and Justin Patton aren’t going to cut it for the near future as your rim protectors. A young prospect like, Mitchell Robinson, would give the Wolves some more depth at the big man position and be a promising young talent to protect the rim.

The Timberwolves could trade down a few picks from no. 20 to get some more out of this choice, but they may not want to take that chance.

To get a guy who forgo’d high school that could’ve gone to any college of his choice, makes for an interesting pick at no. 20. Most mock drafts are picking guards to go to Minnesota due to their lack of wings and spot up shooters from the perimeter off the bench, but they need a rim protector just as much.

Next: 5 options for the Timberwolves at the 20th pick

Mitchell Robinson is capable of having explosive plays in the paint and above the rim, which would add another attribute to this already diverse basketball team. Robinson also brings a talent on the defensive end, averaging 6 blocks a game in a competitive high school district – I understand it’s high school but it still shows his determination on both ends of the court.

While most centers like Mitchell Robinson look like they are becoming expendable, it does add an interesting addition to an already great roster – therefore making the pick an obvious one.

The only downside here would be an unfortunate Greg Oden situation, except there aren’t high expectations for a 20th pick.

Height: 7’0″, Weight: 240, Age: 20
Statistics (High School): 25.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 6.0 BPG

After watching these highlights, Mitchell’s floor sort of looks like a more athletic version of Gorgui Dieng or Pascal Siakam, so either of those on a rookie type deal would be a solid pick up.

I would argue that Mitchell has a ceiling to be a Rudy Gobert type player, with some training that could be an actual possibility. Even though Mitchell will be coming to a team who doesn’t play more than 8 players a game, I’m sure coach Thibodeau could fit him in somewhere in the lineups.