5 NBA-ready prospects the Timberwolves should target in the second round

2. KJ Simpson

Colorado's KJ Simpson is another prospect the Wolves brought in for a workout. The 21-year-old guard is yet another player with a strong collegiate resume. Simpson averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game as a junior. On a team with two other first-round prospects, Simpson led the Buffaloes in points, assists, steals, and three-pointers.

Simpson's game improved mightily over his three seasons in Boulder. He averaged 7.4 points and shot 25.4 percent from downtown as a freshman. In his sophomore season, the point guard's scoring average increased to 15.9 points per game. However, his three-point percentage left much to be desired at 27.6 percent.

The former Buffaloes' impressive junior season forced scouts to reevaluate his game. At 6 feet tall, Simpson plays much bigger than he is. Snatching nearly six boards per game is no small feat for a player whose usually the shortest on the court.

Although his three-point percentage saw a massive spike in his junior season, it's unlikely an aberration. Simpson shot the ball well from the free throw line in every season collegiately—a usual indicator of a good shooter.

Despite his size, Simpson has demonstrated he can score in the paint. Whether at the rim or using a floater, Simpson isn't deterred by bigger defenders. From the mid-range and beyond the arc, Simpson's release is quick enough to get his shot off before a proper contest. An intriguing part of the ex-Colorado guard's game is his off-ball movement—time and time again he made timely cuts to get open for easy baskets.

Where Simpson will struggle in the NBA is on the defensive end. At 6-foot, without explosive athleticism, he'll be targeted by opposing offenses. On a positive note, Simpson's steal percentage was consistently high at Colorado.