NBA Draft prospects for Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 33: Desmond Bane
Desmond Bane is a well-rounded wing out of TCU who has been rising up draft boards lately and may be the player on this list who is least-likely to still be available at No. 3.
Bane shot 44.2 percent on 208 3-point attempts last season and has a silky-smooth jump shot. While he isn’t a big-time shot creator, Bane can put the ball on the floor to free himself for shots and is equally comfortable coming around screens to shoot jumpers or shooting off the dribble.
He’s another highly intelligent wing who appears as though he’ll know exactly what his role is at the NBA level. That matters, and considering the fact that most of the teams drafting at the end of the first round are playoff teams, Bane is exactly the type of player that they’re looking to add to their rosters.
The biggest concerns with Bane are centered around length and athleticism; he stands 6-foot-6 but only has a 6-foot-5 wingspan. He’s also a middling athlete, which will limit his upside a bit on both ends of the floor.
Even still, his intelligence, feel, and all-around savvy will help him more than hold his own in most situations.
Offensively, Bane isn’t simply a spot-up shooter. He can also operate in the pick-and-roll and is a solid passer. While his limitations will impact his ability to finish at the rim in the open floor, his craftiness and body control allows him to passable in the paint.
On defense, Bane understands rotations and positioning and will be a key cog in any NBA defense. He’s the type of player who would immediately elevate the level of defense on a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves.
If the Wolves were to land Bane, he would have a chance to compete for key minutes at the 2 immediately, depending on what happens with restricted free agent Malik Beasley and second-year wing Jarrett Culver, who is reportedly on the trade market.