Welcome back to the Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Corner! Time to look at the shooting guard spot for the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020-21.
After the trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves added many new names to the organization.
The name that shines bright above the rest is Malik Beasley. During Beasley’s 14-game span with the Timberwolves, he posted 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. The most impressive stat about Beasley’s run, however, is that he averaged 8.2 3-point attempts per contest while shooting 42.6 percent from deep.
We’ll assume that the Timberwolves will re-sign Beasley in restricted free agency. This piece will take a look at the talent at shooting guard in the 2020 NBA Draft and how some of these players could still make an impact on the roster if selected.
Josh Green, SG, 6-foot-6, Arizona Wildcats
NBA Player Comparison: Jaylen Brown
Josh Green is an interesting prospect out of Arizona. The Freshman is an extremely athletic defender whose wingspan sits at 6-foot-10.
Green loves to get out and run proving so his freshman year scoring over 100 points in transition. During his freshman year, he posted a line of 12 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game — all while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from deep.
While Green isn’t going to be a go-to scoring option right away, his defense and athleticism would make up for it. While he would most likely take a back seat to Josh Okogie, He would fit in very well with the second unit complimenting our backcourt to cover some of the tougher assignments.
With that, there is value in taking Green with the Brooklyn pick if he’s available (currently No. 16 overall) because of his potential and defensive prowess. The Timberwolves system is in need of a two-way guard and with Green’s high motor and extreme athleticism he could be just that.
Isaiah Joe, SG, 6-foot-5, Arkansas Razorbacks
NBA Comparison: Wesley Mathews
The sophomore out of Arkansas came out shooting his freshman year attempting 8 3 pointers a game while shooting 41.4 percent from long range.
While his sophomore year he was only shooting 34.2 percent from three, he was also launching 10.6 3’s a game. He also averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Joe’s high-volume shooting from deep pairs well with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who ranked No. 3 in attempts per game with 39.7. Joe is a talented athlete with good shooting potential. The Timberwolves could use another 3-point shooter off the bench and he could provide just that.
The sophomore is not likely to be picked in the first round, but there would be solid value for the Minnesota Timberwolves in selecting him in the second round. Right now, that pick stands at No. 33 overall.
Tyrese Maxey, SG, 6-foot-3, Kentucky Wildcats
NBA Comparison: Donovan Mitchell
Maxey burst on to the scene this year when he led Kentucky with 26 points while taking down No. 1-ranked Michigan State.
Maxey is a smaller guard with a high motor. His shot needs improvement; Maxey shot 42.7 from the field and 29.2 percent from deep. However, he does a great job running the offense while setting up pick-and-rolls and working downhill. He averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game.
Maxey is projected to be a mid-first-round pick and has a shot to fall to the Timberwolves at No. 15. The freshman has the potential to be a star in this league if his shot can be developed. The Kentucky produce would complement the newly restructured second unit and be a good jolt of energy off the bench.
Anthony Edwards, SG, 6-foot-5, Georgia Bulldogs
NBA Comparison: Victor Oladipo
The freshman guard out of Georgia has been highly-touted as a surefire top-three pick in this year’s NBA draft.
Like Maxey, he burst onto the college scene in the Maui Jim Invitational, scoring 37 points in a loss against Michigan State. His shooting from long range needs improvement; while attempting 7.7 3’s per game he shot an average of 29.4 percent. He also averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
While the shooting may look like a concern based strictly on the percentages, his stroke is fluid and he is able to knock down contested threes over defenders. Standing 6-foot-5 he has the potential to play alongside Russell and Beasley to provide added athleticism and transition scoring.
With the high likelihood that the Minnesota Timberwolves will have a top-three pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, they remain in talent acquisition mode, and Anthony Edwards is the most talented shooting guard in this year’s draft.
Draft Corner: SG Edition
With their first pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves will surely select whomever they deem as the best all-around player available. That’s typically what happens with teams near the top of the draft, and it’s fair to expect no different from Gersson Rosas and the Wolves this year.
When it comes to the shooting guard position, Edwards has the most star potential of the group. However, if he is not available early, there is a lot of talent the Wolves should be able to snag either mid-round with the Brooklyn pick or even with the No. 33 pick early in the second round.
Regardless of what happens with Beasley in free agency, the Wolves will no doubt continue to build out the wing position in this draft. And they’ll have plenty of players to choose from.