Minnesota Timberwolves: Five players to target if Wolves trade back
By Jack Borman
1. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
2018-19 stats:
16.2 PPG on 47.4/37.4/77.8 shooting, 4.1 REB, 4.0 AST, 1.9 STL per game
The cousin of Clippers’ point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Virginia Tech sophomore guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the safest and best all-around prospects in this year’s draft class.
He fits the mold of a modern NBA ball-handler at 6-foot-5 and 204 pounds with a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is a tremendous playmaker with the ball in his hands. Alexander-Walker utilized his size over smaller point guards in the post, where he displayed both a knack for scoring on the block as well as the ability to see over defenders and find cutting teammates and open shooters on the weak side.
Much like his cousin, he excels at putting the ball on the floor and gets going downhill to the cup, thanks to a sweet handle and the capability to finish in a variety of ways – and at a multitude of angles – on either side of the rim.
The Toronto, Canada native was also an effective shooter, especially from behind the arc during his time in Blacksburg. He shot 38.3 percent from downtown in his career and 76.3 percent from the free throw line. The latter will be an asset to him because of his ability to get past the first defender and get in the lane. In his sophomore year, Alexander-Walker attempted 144 free throws, which was a big improvement from the 63 he shot in his freshman campaign.
On the defensive side of the ball, Alexander-Walker projects to be a very solid on-ball defender that can stifle big point guards and an above average off-ball rotational defender that can use his sizable wingspan to tip passes, trap and blitz on pick and rolls, and block shots in the help or when his matchups drive to the hole.
Nickeil would fit nicely as a potential backup to Tyus Jones if the Wolves are able to off-load Jeff Teague’s $19 million expiring contract. He can push the pace and would be a fun playmaker to watch in transition with guys like Josh Okogie, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl-Anthony Towns all getting out and running on the break.
See what Minnesota would be getting in Alexander-Walker in his sophomore year highlights!
Now, let’s examine who might be in the market for the Wolves’ number 11 pick.