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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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Jaylen Nowell

Drafted: 2019, #43 Overall

NBA Comparison: Wade Baldwin

NBA Outlook Analysis

Jaylen Nowell headed into the NBA Draft as a solid athlete that could score the ball at all levels. He is a confident shooter who is also willing and able to play defense at the NBA level.

The biggest knock on Nowell out of college was his lack of size and playmaking ability, especially since he spent the majority of his time playing point guard for the Washington Huskies. If he were to expand his game and be able to play point guard in the NBA he has the chance to stick in the league for a long time

Nowell & Baldwin Comparison

The NBA comp for Nowell being Baldwin out of college was understandable, as both were viewed as athletic scorers who had limited playmaking abilities at the point guard position.

Baldwin was the No. 17 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2016 draft but has spent most of his time in the D-League. Baldwin played in just 33 games with the Grizzlies his rookie season, playing 12.3 mpg.

Nowell has also spent most of his rookie season in the G League, playing just 15 games in the NBA, playing 10.3 minutes per contest with the Timberwolves.

As far as the numbers go, Nowell has averaged 3.8 points per game while Baldwin averaged 3.2 points per game with assist averages of 1.3 per game and 1.8 per game, respectively. The worrisome numbers to look at for both players are the shooting percentages. Neither player shot over 36 percent from the field and both had a 3-point mark below 14 percent

Evaluation of Player Comparison

As draftees, the comparison between Nowell and Baldwin was fair. Both player’s rookie seasons have also been comparable. In a word, underwhelming.

Nowell and Baldwin were deemed excellent shooters coming in. However, the shooting numbers are incredibly poor in each player’s first season.

Timberwolves fans are hoping that Nowell’s career does not turn out the same as Baldwin. After his rookie season, Baldwin appeared in just 23 games before being waived after the 2018-19 season.

While Nowell is still a rookie it is unknown how many opportunities he will have to prove himself as an NBA player. With Rosas leading the Wolves it appears as though they will be looking to make big moves this offseason. If Nowell wants a shot to stick with the team he will first have to make major improvements to his efficiency.

Jarrett Culver

Drafted: 2019, #6 Overall

NBA Comparison: Nick Anderson

NBA Outlook Analysis

As a draft prospect, Jarrett Culver was viewed as a well-balanced player who can play both ends of the floor. He is an excellent scorer and passer which has the chance to shine even brighter in the faster-paced NBA system.

While he isn’t the most gifted athlete, he has solid athleticism and is a gym rat with a solid base to build off of. Overall, Culver’s weaknesses are all things that can be improved with continued growth.

Culver & Anderson Comparison

Culver and Nick Anderson both came into the league as highly-valued pieces for their respective organizations: Culver was the first draft pick of the Rosas era while Anderson was the first-ever pick for the Orlando Magic organization.

The rookie seasons for Culver and Anderson are also very similar. Besides points per game, where Anderson averaged 11.5 compared to Culver’s 9.2, the two averaged within 0.5 of each other in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game. Believe it or not, one area Culver had the edge in was 3-point shooting, as he shot just under 30 percent while Anderson was just 1-for-17 from deep as a rookie.

Evaluation of Player Comparison

Looking at each player’s rookie season, Culver looks like he is largely on track with Anderson’s career. While Anderson scored more per game, he also played on an expansion team where he more opportunities.

Yes, Culver has had a disappointing season. As the No. 6 overall pick the hope was he would come in and be able to make an impact right away. However, it is taking time for him to adjust to the speed of the NBA.

While Anderson had a good rookie season, he had a lot of holes in his game as well. Throughout his career, Anderson improved his game, especially from the 3-point line, where he became a 35.6 percent career 3-point shooter on just under 4 attempts per game.

If Culver can continually make improvements to his game the same way Anderson did Culver can be an integral part of the Wolves’ future.

Right now, Culver looks like he will have a very similar career path as Anderson. While that will turn into a good NBA career, the Wolves were hoping for more when selecting Culver sixth-overall. Culver may not turn into an All-Star-caliber player, but if he can be a starter on a perennial playoff team the Wolves fanbase and front office will no doubt be happy with that.

Here is to hoping Culver makes the same leap from his rookie to his second season as he did from his freshman to sophomore season in college.

Next. Grading performance of Wolves' fantasy GM. dark

Next up: a look at role players on the Minnestota Timberwolves roster.

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