Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Jay Scrubb is an under-the-radar draft target for the Minnesota Timberwolves

By Logan Alten

Deputy Commissioner of the NBA Mark Tatum (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Deputy Commissioner of the NBA Mark Tatum (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Malik Beasley
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 26: This is not Jay Scrubb. This is perhaps his best-case scenario comparison: Malik Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Strengths

Shooting

In Scrubb’s first year at John Logan, he shot 46.4 percent from 3-point range. He regressed in his second year as his long-range percentage dropped to 33.3 percent. His overall field goal percentage was 54.9 percent in year one and 50.1 percent this year.

Scrubb has a smooth-looking shot and it seems like something that could be easy to work with, even if he doesn’t return to his 46.4 percent form from his freshman year.

For Minnesota it could mean having 48 minutes of elite shooting at the shooting guard position if he pans out and they re-sign Malik Beasley.

Ability to attack the basket

This is a bit harder to evaluate due to his competition level, but watching Scrubb he looked confident and in control while driving. He does have NBA-level athleticism, has shown flashes of being able to find the extra pass, and ability to adjust his shot while driving. Minnesota’s massive upgrade of play-making and spacing could unlock his driving even more too.

Defense

Scrubb will likely not be Marcus Smart, but he should pan out to be a competent defender. Throughout his college career, Scrubb has averaged 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals a game. The Wolves would probably want to avoid putting him on the other team’s best player, like a Bradley Beal for example, but he has the tools to do a decent job against the team’s second-best wing. For a team that has struggled on defense like Minnesota, getting a positive defender would be a plus.

Solid rebounding

Speaking to his athleticism, Scrubb has averaged 8.9 rebounds per game last year and 6.8 rebounds per game this year. For a team with one of its best rebounders as a wing in Josh Okogie, getting another strong rebounding wing could help with rebounding struggles.

The allure of potential

Scrubb has never had NBA-level teammates, NBA-level coaching, NBA-level competition, nor NBA-level training. With the tools there, teams could be sold on potential, especially in the second round. That’s the time to take a high-risk, high-reward player like Scrubb.