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Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Rewind: Draft profiles of current Wolves players

By Eric Peterson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: (L-R) NBA Draft prospects Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitazde, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rui Hachimuri, Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, Coby White, Zion Williamson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ja Morant, De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Brandon Clarke, Romeo Langford, Jaxson Hayes, Tyler Herro, Bol Bol, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle and Mfiondu Kabengele stand on stage with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: (L-R) NBA Draft prospects Kevin Porter Jr., Nicolas Claxton, Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitazde, Keldon Johnson, Nassir Little, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Rui Hachimuri, Jarrett Culver, Cam Reddish, Coby White, Zion Williamson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Ja Morant, De'Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Brandon Clarke, Romeo Langford, Jaxson Hayes, Tyler Herro, Bol Bol, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle and Mfiondu Kabengele stand on stage with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Kelan Martin

Drafted: 2018, Undrafted

NBA Comparison: Cuttino Mobley

NBA Outlook Analysis

Kelan Martin came out of college known for his ability to score, which he did from all three areas of the floor and improved his game year over year while at Butler University.

However, scoring isn’t everything, and it was believed that he would not be able to impact the game in other ways coming into the NBA. This was a major reason why he went undrafted after his senior year of college.

Martin also has limited athleticism that limits his defensive capabilities and makes it more difficult to create for his teammates.

Martin & Mobley Comparison

It is hard to see how Martin was compared to Cuttino Mobley heading into the draft.

Mobley came into the league as a second-round pick of the Rockets and Martin was projected to be a second-round pick in 2018 before going undrafted. Plus, both were considered snipers coming out of college. That’s about it in terms of similarities.

Mobley came into the league as a rookie and started 37 games in his first season, earning All-Rookie Second Team. On the other hand, Martin played overseas for a full season before signing a two-way deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and appearing in 31 NBA games, averaging 16 minutes per contest. Mobley also spent most of his time at point guard and shooting guard while Martin has played mostly small forward this season.

As a rookie Mobley averaged 9.9 points per game, shooting 35.8 percent from 3-point range while averaging 2.5 assists per game. Martin has averaged 6.4 points per game on 26 percent from beyond the arc.

Evaluation of Player Comparison

It is puzzling as to why Martin’s NBA comparison was Cuttino Mobley coming out of college. While the effort has been there, Martin has not always looked like he belongs in the NBA. He has struggled from the field, is a minus-defender, and does not make much of an impact while he is on the floor.

While Mobley was a second-round pick he made an impact on the floor almost right away. He finished his career in 2008-09 averaging a cool 16 points per game while shooting 3-pointers at a 37.8 percent clip for his career.

At this point, it doesn’t seem plausible for Martin to put up these numbers at any point in his career. Therefore, Martin falls well short of his pre-draft projection.

Naz Reid

Drafted: 2019, Undrafted

NBA Comparison: Anthony Mason

NBA Outlook Analysis

Naz Reid is a physically-gifted athlete as he is 6-foot-10 with a wingspan over 7-feet while also having great coordination and balance as a basketball player. He is strong and has a good frame, however, he is not incredibly explosive. This may lead to Reid struggling as a rebounder and may cause him to settle for jump shots too often.

Nonetheless, he has the ability to be a great shooter, handles the ball well for his size, and has a soft touch around the rim.

Reid & Mason Comparison

Anthony Mason was a third-round pick in the 1988 NBA Draft but was cut shortly after the season started. Therefore, let’s compare Mason’s first full season in 1991-92, with Naz’s current rookie season.

It wasn’t until Mason was 25 before he caught on with an NBA team. The Knicks picked up Mason before the 1991-92 season and he played an integral role coming off the bench. He posted 7 points per game on 50.9 percent from the floor while hauling in 7.0 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per contest.

Reid has only played in 30 games so far but has averaged 9 points per game on 41.2 percent shooting and 33.0 percent from deep while grabbing 4.1 rebounds in just 16.5 minutes per game.

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Evaluation of NBA Comparison

Looking at the per-36 numbers, Naz’s numbers stack-up favorably with Mason.

Naz has outscored Mason in points per-36 by a 19.6 to 9.4 margin. Reid also averaged 0.6 more steals per game and 1.3 blocks per game than Mason while grabbing nearly as many rebounds.

Reid’s biggest need for improvement is shooting more efficiently. While he did start out his career hot from three, he cooled off by the time the season came to a halt with a 41.2 percent mark from the floor and 33 percent from three.

Looking at the numbers, it is fair to say Reid surpassed Mason’s rookie season. If Reid can keep up with Mason’s career pace, Wolves fans would be ecstatic, as Mason was a Sixth Man of the Year, an All-Star, a Second Team All-Defensive Player, and Third Team All-NBA member over the course of his career.

However, it’s difficult to determine if Reid can stay ahead of Mason. Mason was a defensive presence who was content with sticking in the paint. Reid is at his best when he is stretching the floor and has struggled so far defensively at the NBA level.

It seems as though Reid will have an opportunity at least in the short term to earn minutes as KAT’s backup. He has so much untapped potential, both offensively and defensively.

It may not be impossible for Reid to keep pace with Mason’s career, however, it is hard to see Reid molding into an All-Defensive and All-NBA player. Therefore, while Reid has a real possibility to have a good, long career with the Wolves, he will ultimately fall short of Mason’s NBA career.

Jordan McLaughlin

Drafted: 2018, Undrafted

NBA Comparison: N/A

NBA Outlook Analysis

Jordan McLaughlin was a great college player for USC, but he was overlooked through the NBA draft process because of his size and was ultimately not drafted by an NBA team.

Coming out of college he was a lethal, athletic scorer who was a willing rebounder and gave effort on the defensive end. He did not have one particular skill, though, that he was outstanding at.

NBA Player Comparison

There were no NBA comparisons to be found for McLaughlin. None at all. Talk about a diamond in the rough…

Evaluation of Rookie Season

While there is no NBA comparison for McLaughlin, we can still take a look at McLaughlin’s rookie season.

McLaughlin had a rough start to his NBA career but seemingly turned around his rookie season after the trade deadline. He has played in 30 games, averaging 19.7 minutes. Per 36 minutes, McLaughlin averaged 14 points on 48.9 percent shooting and 38.2 percent from deep. He added 7.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per-36, showing off his all-around game.

McLaughlin may never turn into a starter but sure looks like he could be a terrific point guard coming off the bench. The Timberwolves should absolutely sign McLaughlin to be their backup point guard moving forward.

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