3 High-risk, high-reward prospects Minnesota should target in the second round
By Austin McGee
The Minnesota Timberwolves own two selections in the 2024 NBA Draft. The franchise's first selection comes in the first round—in the 27th slot. On day two of the draft, the Wolves will select their second prospect with the 38th pick.
Due to a perilous salary cap situation, it's likely the Timberwolves prioritize a win-now prospect. Of course, with two selections in the draft, Minnesota may feel as if adding at least one high-upside prospect is worth it.
A year ago, the Timberwolves used both their selections on high-risk, high-reward prospects. The Wolves grabbed G-League Ignite forward Leonard Miller and UCLA's Jaylen Clark with its pair of second-round picks.
Miller appeared in 17 games and hit the hardwood for a total of 52 minutes. The former Ignite star entered the draft as an underdeveloped prospect. He was only 19 at the time and skipped the collegiate route to play in the G-League.
Minnesota's second choice—Clark—suffered a right Achilles rupture in his junior season. Although he entered the draft as a 21-year-old, he only spent one season in Los Angeles as a starter for the Bruins. The Wolves selected Clark knowing he'd miss his entire rookie year.
Instead of focusing on experienced prospects, we'll shift our focus to players with extreme upside. Below, we've identified three high-risk, high-reward prospects the Timberwolves brass should target with their 37th overall pick.
3. Cam Christie, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota's Cam Christie was a surprising draft entrant in 2024. The 6-foot-5 guard played only one season in the collegiate ranks. He suited up in 33 games for the Golden Gophers, making 26 starts. Christie averaged 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 rebounds as a freshman.
Like his older brother, Max Christie, he opted to forgo his eligibility after one so-so season. Although the statistical output wasn't impressive, the younger Christie displayed a smooth game with efficient shot-making.
The soon-to-be 19-year-old nailed 39.1 percent of his triples and 79.1 percent of his freebies. Christie is an advanced offensive player for his age. He's a deadly spot-up marksman and a more than capable scorer off the bounce.
The former Golden Gopher recorded an effective field goal percentage of 64.0% on his catch-and-shoot jumpers. Christie possesses a picturesque form. He's got great lift, a consistent base, and a high-release point, making his shot difficult to contest. The sharpshooter always appears ready to shoot—he doesn't waste movement upon the catch.
In addition to his shooting proficiency, Christie is also a good driver. He doesn't possess the most well-versed dribble package, but he's a quality straight-line driver and a skilled pick-and-roll ball handler. Although he measured about 6-foot-4 and a half, he looks taller and plays bigger.
Christie finished the past season with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.13-to-1—an unusually high mark for a high-major freshman. Christie isn't a primary initiator, but he's a ball-mover and a tertiary playmaker at this stage in his development.
Where Christie's NBA fit comes into question is his lack of physicality, weighing just 190 pounds. His defense wasn't poor at the collegiate level, but the NBA is a different game. It'll likely take Christie a year or so to play adequate, NBA-level defense.
Furthermore, Christie's lack of size and explosion hampered his ability to finish at the rim. The 18-year-old guard made only 42.6 percent of his rim-field goal attempts and deviated from attacking the paint in the halfcourt.