2024 NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves grab seasoned prospect, Wizards reach for center

27. Minnesota Timberwolves - Tyler Kolek, Marquette

The Timberwolves are in uncharted waters. Minnesota has reached the Conference Semifinals for the first time in 20 years. Due to the squad's success, they'll draft near the end of the first round. In this slot, the typical selection is either a raw prospect or an established collegian.

This pick exemplifies the latter. Marquette's Tyler Kolek spent four seasons at the collegiate level, one with George Mason and the rest with the Golden Eagles. Kolek's best season came as a senior. That season, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

The senior guard is one of the best passers in the draft class. He's a pick-and-roll maestro with a penchant for making the right play and breaking down defenses. As with many great passers, Kolek excels at making the help or secondary defender commit before making his move.

Kolek projects to be a decent scorer in the big leagues. His scoring production will likely remind some of Tyus or Tre Jones. He's a below-the-rim finisher, but a good driver. His shooting was pretty consistent in his final two seasons at Marquette. However, Kolek has never been a volume shooter. He plays within the rhythm of the offense.

Adding Kolek to the Wolves roster seems too perfect. Minnesota's starting point guard is a 36-year-old lefty who likely shouldn't be playing 30-plus minutes for too much longer. The reserves are Monte Morris and Jordan MacLaughlin—two players on expiring contracts. Kolek would fit extremely well as a backup guard whose primary goal is to distribute the rock.