The Minnesota Timberwolves are loaded in terms of draft picks for the 2022 NBA Draft. Well, in terms of 60 selections, the Timberwolves possess four of those 60 picks or 6.7 percent of the rookies who will hear their name called. Unfortunately, thanks to the team pivoting from a team rebuilding to compete in the future, to becoming a team ready to compete now, it simply does not make any sense for the Timberwolves to choose four players in this draft.
But a couple of solid prospects? Yeah, that would do nicely.
So it makes complete sense for the team to work out some players, in the hopes of getting it right. One such player who has reportedly worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves is Duke’s small forward Wendell Moore.
Looks like the #Timberwolves have worked out Duke guard, Wendell Moore.
— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) June 8, 2022
Moore stands 6’5” and has been called an “elite defender.” His draft comparison is that of a Avery Bradley. Along with his defense, he knocks down the three as well - shooting right around 40% from deep. pic.twitter.com/airOGc2Umx
So what can we tell you about Wendell Moore?
Minnesota Timberwolves need defense and perimeter shooting
We know that the Minnesota Timberwolves are quite interested in improving their defense, and in acquiring at least one big-bodied center or power forward this offseason. Moore’s draft profile suggests that he has a good chance of helping the team on defense.
He is a three-year product of NCAA basketball, which means that he will arrive less raw than other rookies. His defense has been sound all along, but he really didn’t step up on the offensive side of the basketball court until his junior season. His shooting has made dramatic improvements in each season, both from the floor and from the perimeter. His free throw shooting has consistently hit the mark above 80.0 percent.
He is a solid choice at 40 if he is there because he has the makings of a lock-down defender who can shoot the three-pointer, eventually becoming one of the highly sought-after 3-and-D players in the future.
Because he’s played three seasons with Duke, he can be trusted to endure under pressure.
Does it make sense for the Timberwolves to select Moore? I think it does, particularly in light of recent comments by Coach Finch stating in no uncertain terms that forward Jaden McDaniels ‘needs to improve.’
Of course, there are plenty of rumors right now. Some involve the Timberwolves trading veteran guard Patrick Beverly. Others involve the Timberwolves trading guard D’Angelo Russell. While neither or both could be gaining momentum, the Timberwolves’ front office must do what is best for the team.
Drafting Wendell Moore could be one step towards doing exactly that.