Mock Draft 3.0 – Predicting how the dominoes fall, with view to fit, shifts, and OKC Thunder best bet
. SF. UNC. Nassir Little. 11. player. 86
As I reach pick 11 on the board I’d be lying if I told you I had any degree of comfort or certainty in this selection. Prior to recent events, it seemed logical the Wolves would want to add a player who could afford Karl-Anthony Towns with the option to roam more freely and offer defensive prowess up front.
But, news the Wolves are intently trying to trade up to the fourth pick makes this selection a crap shoot at best. Minnesota is starting fresh in many ways with a new General Manager (Gersson Rosas) and the now fully instated head coach, Ryan Saunders. Factor in Rosas has a penchant for shooters like his former boss Daryl Morey.
light. Related Story. Nassir Little could fall to pick 21, but should OKC pull the trigger?
However, the seeming maelstrom of activity in Minnesota leaves me wondering if this pick could end up being the first jaw dropper of the night.
The Timberwolves have been aggressive in their attempts to move up in the draft from No. 11 and are among the teams that have discussed acquiring No. 4 from New Orleans, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 20, 2019
That said, North Carolina’s Nassir Little appears to be who the Wolves would opt for if they stay positioned at this spot on the board. Despite a less than stellar rookie season at UNC Little has regained lottery talk based on strong workouts and impressive interviews.
Part of Little’s issues were tied to the “big program” putting players into roles so he couldn’t showcase his full package. But, added weight also derailed his quickness which is something the small forward made quick work to correct as soon as the College season ended.
If that turns out to be accurate then there is every reason to hope Little could regain his defensive prowess and combining that alongside a healthy Robert Covington would finally address the porous Minnesota defense. And, if rumors the Wolves are actively trying to shop Andrew Wiggins are true then this move makes even more sense.