The NBA Draft is nearing, and teams are starting to evaluate potential targets. The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the brink of winning a championship and will likely target players who can make an instant impact. Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming fits this mold. After a slower start to his college career, Fleming had a breakout season as a junior this past year. The 6-foot-9 forward-center posted averages of 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Fleming has the skill set to be a high-quality role player and could be an ideal fit with the Wolves.
Fleming's impressive defense and versatility
The first thing that stands out about Fleming's game is his elite and versatile defense. Fleming uses his 7-foot-5 wingspan to be a highly disruptive help-side defender. Impressively, he averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.4 blocks this past season. He has remarkably quick instincts, which allow him to force turnovers at a high rate. With Fleming's frame and instincts, he is capable of guarding multiple positions.
Fleming's knack for shot blocking and rebounding allows him to play a small-ball five role, which he displayed in college. Furthermore, he is quick enough to guard opposing wings, and he holds up on the perimeter nicely. This elite level of versatility makes Fleming one of the better defenders in this draft class. He is also one of the best rebounders in the draft, averaging 8.5 rebounds and posting a stellar 22.8 defensive rebound percentage. Overall, Fleming's build and defensive skill set are tailor-made for the NBA.
The Wolves have built their identity around defense and toughness. Undoubtedly, Fleming fits this mold. It's unclear whether Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will return to Minnesota, so it makes sense to target a player like Fleming, with positional versatility. Fleming's fit next to Jaden McDaniels defensively is also an exciting possibility.
Rasheer Fleming easily is one of my favorite impact bets at the NBA level.
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 7, 2025
6’9, 7’5 wingspan. Highly versatile 3&D forward that brings defensive instinct, length, rebounding skill & a rapidly evolving offensive arsenal — shot 39% from 3P + 69% at the rim. An all-around skillset. https://t.co/R7afZ3t8pQ pic.twitter.com/sIKrZor7KN
Fleming is a high-level play finisher
Offensively, Fleming's spot-up shooting is intriguing. This past season, he shot 39 percent from beyond the arc; however, he shot just 31.3 percent from beyond the arc in his previous two seasons. How Fleming's shooting translates to the next will be a key factor in determining his impact. Nevertheless, there's reason for optimism given his fundamentals and that he'll likely get plenty of open catch-and-shoot opportunities.
While Fleming's shooting is a key swing skill, he can impact the game in other ways offensively. Fleming is a capable play finisher as a cutter and rollman. His rebounding abilities also give him another way to score. Notably, Fleming shot 69.9 percent at the rim this past season. Ultimately, Fleming is a highly efficient source of offense at the rim.
He isn't much of a self-creator or playmaker. However, Fleming would thrive in a role as an effective and versatile play finisher. At 21 years old by the start of next season, Fleming could be an immediate contributor. The Wolves could offer this role and benefit from Fleming's skill set.
Is Fleming a realistic target for the Wolves?
Fleming is projected as a mid to late first-round pick. Perhaps a lottery team or the Oklahoma City Thunder/Orlando Magic will grab him. However, Fleming's lack of self-creation and questions about how he can handle quality competition make it probable that he will be available when the Wolves select at pick 17. Given his two-way impact and ability to contribute from day one, Fleming is worth considering for the Wolves.