Spot-up shooting is a clear need for the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. Minnesota has recently begun its pre-draft workout process, and UConn's Alex Karaban is one of the first four prospects they have worked out, according to HoopsHype. The 23-year-old could offer an immediate boon to the Wolves' 3-point shooting, and his comfort level playing off the ball would serve him well playing alongside Anthony Edwards.Â
At the surface level, the Wolves ranked sixth in 3-point percentage and 14th in made 3s this past season, indicating that shooting isn't a major need. However, Donte DiVincenzo's devastating Achilles injury creates a massive shooting void, and drafting Karaban is an intriguing way for the Wolves to address this need.
As the Wolves try to compete against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs (who both have elite rim protection), improving their 3-point shooting is even more important.
Karaban netted 37.4 percent of his 3-pointers at the collegiate level on a substantial 5.2 attempts per game. It's also worth noting that Karaban won two national championships while at UConn, meaning he knows what it takes to contribute to winning basketball.
Alex Karaban is an intriguing draft target for the Timberwolves
Fans might be looking for more of an upside swing for the Wolves at pick 28. Tim Connelly's track record suggests he leans this way. Regardless, drafting a plug-and-play prospect like Karaban could pay dividends for a Wolves team with championship aspirations.
Karaban's aforementioned 37.4 3-point shooting percentage doesn't tell the story of his overall impact as a shooter. He thrives both spotting up on pure catch-and-shoot looks and coming off screens. While Karaban is not much of a self-creator (94 percent of his 3s and 76.1 percent of his overall field goals were assisted this past year), his spot-up shooting makes him an ideal complementary forward.
Standing at 6-foot-8 (with shoes), Karaban has the required size to play either forward position at the NBA level. This allows Karaban to thrive with a variety of lineup combinations. Furthermore, Karaban's sturdy frame and general IQ should help him play respectable defense at the NBA level despite not being a world-class athlete.
Karaban's connective playmaking is another plus. He averaged a solid 2.4 assists this past season at UConn and posted a solid 12.4 assist percentage (a number that ranks in the 58th percentile per Draftballr). Yes, Karaban will never be used in a featured on-ball role, but his high feel, ability to make quick decisions, and the extra pass will benefit him at the NBA level.
Given his blend of shooting, size, and basketball-IQ, Karaban projects to be a Duncan Robinson or Sam Hauser type of player. Even if Karaban doesn't reach this level of shooting, every team could use a player of this archetype. For the Wolves specifically, they could benefit from some extra spot-up shooting and forward depth, making Karaban a realistic target.
Without a doubt, Karaban should be in the mix for the Wolves at pick 28, and he projects to make an immediate impact as a rookie.
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