I don’t really agree with this article (in, like, a bunch of ways).
Fundamentally, I think opting for win-now talent is understandable, but I don’t think it’s the clear-cut right choice. This is really the team’s last bite at the apple for a bit (they don’t have a 1st rounder in 25 or 27, and they have a swap in 26). They absolutely need to have this pick provide value. If that comes in the form of a more raw rookie who may take a year or two, so be it. If the Wolves can get a Jacquez or Podziemski-level contributor (someone who is a near starter-level out of the gate), awesome; but supposed win-now picks by Denver (Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson) played effectively zero legitimate minutes in the playoffs. So going “developed” doesn’t ensure immediate production.
This is especially true since this team already has its top 7 set in stone (starters plus Naz and NAW) and is likely going to add/retain a viable 8th and possibly 9th man (SloMo, Morris, McLaughlin, a top-end vet min are all possibilities). They also do have those previously drafted prospects (specifically Minott and/or Miller) potentially poised to step into a bigger role. This team may not have minutes available for rookies this year, even decent-ish ones.
Also, having Tyler Smith as the poster-child for this because he has professional experience is… strange. He played for a rancid G-League Ignite team that literally went 2-32. His prospect profiles almost always start with the word “raw.” He’s also probably best suited as a PF, which puts him at the exact same spot as the Wolves’ other young prospects. I actually don’t mind taking him, but I’d be shocked if he played meaningful minutes for the Wolves this year.
The article then ends by emphasizing the opportunity to find value in the late 1st, citing Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Which is true; there is value to be found. But both players were seen as raw/upside picks who likely would need time to make an impact which flies in the face of the very crux of the argument.
MN-Jess
I disagree so much because of this specific draft that is super weak with pro ready guys. Where we are picking, the better prospects are the upside project types.
3 Comments
Dont waste even more picks on Bums!
I don’t really agree with this article (in, like, a bunch of ways).
Fundamentally, I think opting for win-now talent is understandable, but I don’t think it’s the clear-cut right choice. This is really the team’s last bite at the apple for a bit (they don’t have a 1st rounder in 25 or 27, and they have a swap in 26). They absolutely need to have this pick provide value. If that comes in the form of a more raw rookie who may take a year or two, so be it. If the Wolves can get a Jacquez or Podziemski-level contributor (someone who is a near starter-level out of the gate), awesome; but supposed win-now picks by Denver (Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and Hunter Tyson) played effectively zero legitimate minutes in the playoffs. So going “developed” doesn’t ensure immediate production.
This is especially true since this team already has its top 7 set in stone (starters plus Naz and NAW) and is likely going to add/retain a viable 8th and possibly 9th man (SloMo, Morris, McLaughlin, a top-end vet min are all possibilities). They also do have those previously drafted prospects (specifically Minott and/or Miller) potentially poised to step into a bigger role. This team may not have minutes available for rookies this year, even decent-ish ones.
Also, having Tyler Smith as the poster-child for this because he has professional experience is… strange. He played for a rancid G-League Ignite team that literally went 2-32. His prospect profiles almost always start with the word “raw.” He’s also probably best suited as a PF, which puts him at the exact same spot as the Wolves’ other young prospects. I actually don’t mind taking him, but I’d be shocked if he played meaningful minutes for the Wolves this year.
The article then ends by emphasizing the opportunity to find value in the late 1st, citing Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Which is true; there is value to be found. But both players were seen as raw/upside picks who likely would need time to make an impact which flies in the face of the very crux of the argument.
I disagree so much because of this specific draft that is super weak with pro ready guys. Where we are picking, the better prospects are the upside project types.