Minnesota Timberwolves 2019 NBA Draft Big Board
By Jack Borman
No. 25 – Carsen Edwards | SG | Purdue
Grade: 75 | Fit: A-
Age: 21.2 | Height: 6-foot | Wingspan: 6-foot-6
Best strength: Shooting range
Biggest weakness: On-ball defense
Potential role: Backup point guard that can get you a bucket from anywhere on the floor.
Synopsis: Edwards is a multi-dimensional scorer that shines when he shoots the ball from NBA range, as well as when he drives to the basket and draws fouls. He shot 83.7 percent from the line this past season at Purdue and should excel at scoring from the free throw line in the NBA. Teams will likely attack him as a defender, which will put his strength, lateral agility, and 6-foot-6 wingspan to the test.
No. 24 – Cameron Johnson | SF | North Carolina
Grade: 76 | Fit: A+
Age: 23.3 | Height: 6-foot-9 | Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Best strength: 3-point shooting
Biggest weakness: Athleticism
Potential role: Big bench wing that provides efficient 3-point shooting.
Synopsis: Johnson project to be a big-time shot-maker from behind the arc. In his senior season at UNC, Cam shot a ridiculous 45.7 percent from downtown on 210 attempts and has one of the best strokes in this year’s draft class. Johnson is not the best athlete and is not super explosive, which hinders his ability to get to the rim and make plays off the dribble.
No. 23 – Bol Bol | C | Oregon
Grade: 77 | Fit: C+
Age: 19.5 | Height: 7-foot-2 | Wingspan: 7-foot-7
Best strength: Ability to space the floor
Biggest weakness: Durability
Potential role: Rotational center that can score from beyond the arc and off the bounce.
Synopsis: Bol Bol is undoubtedly of the 10 most talented guys in this draft, but he suffered a broken foot early in his freshman season at Oregon, which has left many wondering if he’ll be able to stay healthy in the NBA. If he can remain healthy, Bol will provide an NBA team with floor spacing, shooting, rotational shot blocking from a help defense position, and a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. He can put the ball on the deck and get to the rim effectively thanks to his long strides and surprisingly solid handles for a 7-foot-3 prospect.
No. 22 – Tyler Herro | SG | Kentucky
Grade: 78 | Fit: B+
Age: 19.4 | Height: 6-foot-6 | Wingspan: 6-foot-3
Best strength: Shooting
Biggest weakness: Defensive upside
Potential role: Backup off-ball guard that can get to his spots and make shots off the dribble.
Synopsis: Seen by most as simply a knockdown 3-point shooter, Herro is more than a one-trick pony. He is an incredible shot-maker off the bounce and out of the pick and roll as well. His 6-foot-3 wingspan and lack of defensive intensity are concerning to me, but I believe he can be a solid system defender with the right coaching.
No. 21 – Rui Hachimura | PF | Gonzaga
Grade: 79 | Fit: B
Age: 21.3 | Height: 6-foot-7 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Best strength: Three-level scoring
Biggest weakness: Defensive IQ
Potential role: Backup small-ball four that can be the second unit’s number two scoring option.
Synopsis: Hachimura is one of the most polarizing players in this draft. I have seen numerous Wolves fans pleading for Minnesota to take him at 11, but I would be shocked if he was gone by the 15th pick in this draft. Despite his ability to score well at all three levels, his defensive IQ is very poor for someone looking to make a big immediate impact for an NBA team. Like Herro, if he gets drafted into the right system, he could be a good defender down the road. New Wolves defensive coach David Vanterpool could potentially be a great teacher for Rui.