A lot of mock drafts have the Minnesota Timberwolves selecting a point guard with their late first-round pick in this upcoming draft. While there is some logic to that argument, I fear that if they draft a point guard, it would become another Rob Dillingham situation. If I were the GM, a polished, NBA-ready wing is the direction I would go.
Enter Thomas Haugh. He's on the older side of this draft class, but he was a major piece to the Florida Gators team that won the national championship last year. This year, although the Gators were eliminated early in the tournament, Haugh was their best player, showcasing his versatility and growth on both ends of the court.
Thomas Hauch is a perfect fit on paper for the Timberwolves
Chris Finch, as it is, is hesitant to insert rookies and young players in the rotation, but if the rookie were 23 years old at the start of next season, it may make it easier. The Timberwolves have a thin wing rotation, and the only backup wing in it (Kyle Anderson) isn't guaranteed to be on the team next year.
Haugh would provide some toughness and defensive versatility to a reserve unit that needs it. Let's face it, Bones Hyland and Naz Reid are awesome, but defense isn't their calling card.
On offense, he has a similar connective style to Kyle Anderson, where he isn't going to play point guard, but he's a willing passer and ball mover. He isn't someone who needs the ball either. In college, a lot of his damage was done in transition.
What would Wolves fans be able to expect out of Haugh in the now and in the future?
I think the biggest trait used to describe Haugh would be a winner. As a sophomore last season, he played a huge role in winning a national championship. This year, he leaped from 9.8 points per game to 17.1 as he led the Gators to an SEC championship appearance and a number one seed in the big dance.
He's the type of player who could fit on all 30 NBA teams with his versatility. He might not ever be an All-Star, but if the Timberwolves want to target a guy who looks to have a rock-solid 15-year career, Haugh checks all of those boxes.
If he's available with their pick, currently projected 29th overall, I think it would be a mistake not to pick him. Conversely, if he slides into the early 20s, I think they should seriously think about moving up a few spots to secure the former national champion.