The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the NBA Draft with one selection, the 53rd pick. But that doesn’t mean they will stand pat. Never underestimate the chaos that ensues when the day rolls around. Picks will begin to bounce from team to team, anywhere from pick 2 to 60, before you know it. Which picks teams move are often circumstantial, particularly when the draft rolls into the late first and early second rounds. Teams begin to get comfortable with how many roster spots they want to invest in the draft and consider swapping future seconds or even sending cash considerations for picks to get them off their hands.
That’s exactly where the Wolves could potentially capitalize, moving up into the pick 31-45 range and finding another potential impact role player.
Here are three players I have in mind that the Wolves could target making a move for if they fall into that pick range.
Kobe Brown | Forward | Missouri | 6’7” 252 lbs | 7’0.75” Wingspan | Draft Age 23.5 |
Ranked 30th on my big board
Brown has a lot of impactful traits. He is fresh off a season with a Missouri Tigers team that saw incredible improvement as a team in the first year under coach Dennis Gates. Kobe has shown his worth in all of his four seasons at Missouri, starting 118 of his 123 games and showing linear development.
Here is how he statistically was over his collegiate career:
What stands out from his numbers is the dramatic increase in three-point shooting in his final year in comparison to Years 1 to 3. Kobe shot 23.7% (49 of 207) from three on 2.3 attempts per game in his freshman through junior seasons. But as a senior, he shot 45.5% (51 of 112) from three on an increased 3.3 attempts per game.
These three-point shots mostly come as a catch-and-shoot option, connecting on 46.2% of his C&S looks. Kobe shot 37% (17 of 46) from three on above-the-break threes from 24 feet or longer, aka NBA range threes. He was also a 50% (12 of 24) corner three-point shooter. Totaling 41% (29 of 70) from NBA range.
Kobe brings a fun presence on the ball with a capable handle and comfortability. He can push the ball off a rebound, attack a closeout off the dribble, and find the open man opposite him. He can also be a connector to more important offensive threats.
Defensively, Kobe is more suited to be a help-side defender and line up against wings and forwards. His massive frame may limit some mobility, although he can benefit by using his physicality.
Overall, Kobe’s overall success in the league will be determined by his ability to build off his impressive senior season as a shooter and defense. Brown’s upside is hard to pass on if he falls out of the first round. A cheaper option at the forward position is always worth a gamble, especially with his potential 3&D capabilities.
Here is a glimpse of play style from his senior season:
Marcus Sasser | Guard | Houston | 6’2” 195 lbs | 6’7” Wingspan | Draft Age 22.7 |
Ranked 32nd on my big board
Sasser would bring some much-needed help to the guard room for the Wolves. Marcus was a consistent presence on the Houston Cougars, starting 93 of his 107 games. Over his 4 seasons, Houston was a ridiculous 116-22. They went as far as the Final Four in 2021, losing to the eventual champion Baylor Bears. Sasser could have left school last season and entered the draft. However, he returned for his senior season, helping lead Houston alongside fellow draft prospect Jarace Walker to a 1-seed and 33-4 record. He would go on to earn American Conference Player of the Year honors.
Sasser’s play style on offense is bucket-getting, primarily through his jump shot, as his stats illustrate:
His shooting will translate with ease, as he already has NBA range. Last season, Sasser shot 34% (30 of 88) from three on above-the-break threes from 24 feet or farther. He was also a 57% (20 of 35) corner-three shooter, totaling 40% (50 of 123) from NBA range. Most of these were pull-up jumpers.
Despite being a smaller guard, Sasser is a stout defender who can use his quickness on the ball and relentless motor to stay with opponents. However, he’s mostly restricted to guards defensively.
Overall, Sasser would be a great player to bring into the guard room as a potential backup. His game will be determined by how much his 3&D traits translate, shooting consistency, and if he can tap into other skills such as playmaking and a secondary shot.
Here are some highlights from Sasser’s recent season:
Julian Strawther | Wing | Gonzaga | 6’7” 208 lbs | 6’9.25” Wingspan | Draft Age – 21.2 |
Ranked 33rd on my big board
Strawther would bring another great shooting presence to the Wolves while also having a great frame and size to work with. Julian started 68 of his 94 games at Gonzaga, playing on many talented teams under coach Mark Few. After a quiet freshman season backing up Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert, Strawther took on a larger role and succeeded next to players like Jalen Suggs, Chet Holmgren, and Andrew Nembhard. These teams had immense success, owning a 90-11 record in the three years Strawther spent in Spokane and going to a National Championship.
Offensively, Strawther uses his lightning-quick shot release to drill threes, his primary role with the Zags. Here is how his stats lined up:
Strawther mostly operates as a catch-and-shoot threat and can make an impact across the floor. This past season shot, he shot 41% (39 of 95) on above-the-break threes from 24 feet or farther. He also was 42% (8 of 19) from the corner three, totaling 41% (47 from 114) from NBA range. He isn’t much of a movement shooter, but he does a great job relocating to open space to get set.
When Strawther needs to find another shot, he loves to lean on his runner/floater. Often leaning on it when people try to run him off the three-point line or when catching the ball coming around wide pin-down screens.
Strawther’s defense will make or break his career. He has solid size to work with, but he isn’t the most athletic guy and does not do well on the ball or off of it. He will have to rely upon his three-point shot early on as he works on his deficiencies.
You cannot turn down adding more length and shooting to the team. Those are some of the best specialties to work with. Overall, you are not going to find a perfectly well-rounded player in the second round, so why not settle for more effective traits to mold a player?
Here are some clips from his past season to become more familiar with his game:
