Minnesota Timberwolves draft: Round 2 diamonds in the rough

48th overall pick

The next player on the Minnesota Timberwolves draft board who fans should keep their eye on is Duke’s freshman guard, Trevor Keels. Keels averaged 11.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on a stacked Duke team. He played the third-most minutes per game on his team as a freshman and helped lead his team to a Final Four appearance. His stats may not jump off of the page at you but his 6-foot-4 height and 220-pound weighted frame will.  Now, pair that with a wide 6-foot-7 wingspan he has all the potential in the world.

He reminds me of an Andre Miller-type of player who can use his size to get downhill and finish around the rim and even in the post against smaller guards. He absorbs contact and does not turn the ball over very much. His assists numbers are low but manageable, and he could use some work addressing that in his first season. But they should rise as he acclimates to the pace and spacing with NBA teammates.

Keelhauling opponents

He draws a lot of fouls but does not shoot well at the line, only finishing with a 67 percent from the free-throw line.  He will need to address that as well, as a ball-handler who cannot hit free throws simply invites fouls.  He has a solid and sweet three-point shot as well as a good-looking jump shot.  Best of all,  he is only 18 years old and could be a good late-round pick to develop behind guards D’Angelo Russell and Patrick Beverly.

His defensive potential is through the roof, with that long wingspan and ability to move well laterally.  He can guard the one, two, and three,  and uses his body to stay in front of the ball handler. He had multiple games in which he put up three steals and even two separate games where he amassed five and six steals. This proves his ability to overpower and bully his opponents not only in the paint but also around the perimeter.

We know that the Timberwolves want to up their defense. Trevor Keels is a kick-start in that direction.