2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

Team Needs:

The irony is what the Wolves need most they can’t add via the draft- – veteran leadership, experience, and clutch finishers.  That said, the TimberPups do need to add perimeter scoring (30th in attempts and makes) and rebounding particularly on the defensive end where they ranked 29th.

Free Agents:

• Omri Casspi – UFA
• Shabazz Muhammad – RFA
• Adreian Payne – UFA
• Brandon Rush – UFA

 Roster Gaps:

Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system takes time which is why the Wolves 27th rank isn’t necessarily a huge surprise, especially given the raw age of the club. Still, aside for the need for vets and experience adding an athletic big to bolster frontcourt depth would be wise. Or if a certified lethal 3-point sharpshooter remains on the board Thibs may elect to go that route as well.

Jonathan Isaac:

As for Jonathan Isaac in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Isaac comes in as one of the most difficult players to project. With a body/athletic ability similar to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo he could evolve into a superstar-type player, but as of now the actual basketball skills aren’t there. Unlike those two coming into the draft, however, Isaac is already a very good defender. In college Isaac could guard all five positions. The former freshman has the lateral quickness to keep up with guards and the length to handle a power forward down-low; he would fit perfectly in the OKC Thunder defensive system. Isaac averaged nearly 3 stocks (blocks + steals) a game, slightly higher than defensive specialist Andre Roberson in his first college season. Defense is Isaac’s calling card, but he also flashed potential as a floor spacer in the NBA. The 19-year old shot 34.8% from deep on nearly three attempts a game and over 50% from the field. The problem was Isaac played with a myriad of talented offensive players at Florida State so he did not get many opportunities to flash an isolation game."

Overview:

It was hard not to get excited about the potential of the young TimberPups heading into the 2016-17 season. The team was coming off a spectacular rookie season by Karl Anthony-Towns augmented by athletic dynamos Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine. With the addition of new bench master Tom Thibodeau there was reason for optimism.

After all here was a defensive-minded savant who never suffered a losing season in Chicago as the bench boss.  Yet, for as exciting as the Wolves kept many a game last season their youth was too much to overcome.

Again, adding yet another rookie won’t address the roster issues the Wolves need to resolve. In spite of that, Minnesota can bolster existing depth via a perimeter shot specialist or snag a player with huge 2-way potential in Isaac.

Today as the hours ticked away news came the Spurs were looking to trade up (possibly to the top 5 draft picks). Initially, my instincts said they were earmarking  De’Aaron Fox. But other rumors of the Spurs’ intention to pursue Chris Paul caused me to vacillate and believe it was Isaac they were intent on snagging.

Regardless of the pick Minnesota’s brain trust makes tonight it will surely be just the first this offseason as Thibs’ Pups look to take the next step.