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

1. Kevin McCullar Jr.

Former Big 12 star, Kevin McCullar Jr., is the type of player every team should want to roster. McCullar Jr. is a 6-foot-5, high IQ, guard/forward whose game is extremely well-rounded. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game as a graduate transfer for the Kansas Jayhawks.

McCullar Jr. spent three seasons suiting up for the Texas Tech Red Raiders before transferring to Kansas. In Lubbock, the 23-year-old wing showed his versatility but never shot the ball well. McCullar Jr.'s career-high at Texas Tech was just 24 points. The former Red Raider only scored 20 or more in two games over three seasons.

Transferring to Kansas unlocked McCullar Jr.'s game. His first season in Lawrence was reminiscent of his initial three seasons in Lubbock—but his fifth season yielded a reinvigorated version of himself. McCullar Jr. looked to score more often and even drained 1.5 triples per game. His field goal attempts per game went from 8.1 to 13.5.

If evaluators don't take McCullar Jr.'s graduate season with a grain of salt, he'll likely garner mid-first-round consideration. Nevertheless, here we are. A potential flukey shooting season, his advanced age, and a late-season injury have led to McCullar Jr.'s minor drop in the predraft process.

Regardless of McCullar Jr.'s allure, he's a win-now prospect. Although his shooting form isn't the prettiest, his fluidity has improved over the past few years. When McCullar Jr. played for Texas Tech, a hitch was visible at the top of McCullar Jr.'s release. This past season, he looked more confident from beyond the arc and the hitch was absent (for the most part).

Unlike many players in today's game, his jumper looks the same from beyond and inside the arc. He can also rise up and shoot over defenders in the mid-range. McCullar Jr. does a great job finding space to get off a floater or push shot when a jumper isn't available.

Besides his scoring, he's a great playmaker. McCullar Jr. is far more than a connective passer. He can run pick-and-rolls and consistently keeps his eyes up to find open teammates at the rim or setting up for a three.

Finally, McCullar Jr.'s defense is perhaps his best quality—at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he projects to defend multiple positions in the pros. The former Jayhawk is hyper-aware off-ball. On the ball, he's elusive, possesses agile feet, and contests shots better than most wings.