The Golden State Warriors have a vested interest in where the Minnesota Timberwolves ends this season.
After all, the Warriors will receive Minnesota’s first choice in the draft for 2021, which is supposedly slated for November 18th if the Timberwolves don’t win a top 3 selection.
The Timberwolves (4-11) have the second worst record in the NBA when they face the Warriors tonight at the Chase Center in San Francisco. It’s the first of two in a row between the teams.
At this early stage, Minnesota has a 40.1% chance of a top 3 pick in the draft lottery. If the ping pong balls deliver a pick 1 through 3, the Timberwolves keep it. If it’s outside of that range, it goes to the Warriors as part of a deal last year that sent D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, and Omari Spellman to Minnesota for Andrew Wiggins.
Depending on how the lottery plays out, a top pick in a widely heralded 2021 draft could combine last year’s number 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, with another high-end rookie to fill the void close between the present and the future of Golden State.
Cunningham is one type of franchise change player. The 6-foot-8-point guard is an experienced ball handler who can score points on pick-and-roll, isolation, and dribbling. Defensively, his 220-pound frame, combined with his intensity, allows him to guard multiple positions. As an improving Sagittarius and natural passerby, there is little Cunningham can do.
Mobley checks all the boxes for a modern NBA center. At 7: 0 with a span of 7: 4, Mobley can score in all three levels, protect the rim and slip in defense. His great hands, his soft grip and his smooth grip suggest a clear upward trend. Although questions about his physicality still remain unanswered, Mobley has emerged as a lock on a top 3 pick.
There is little doubt about Green’s talent. Explosive on half the court and in the open ground, a strong finisher, and an improving perimeter shooter. Although he only played two times for the G League Ignite team at Walnut Creek, many Scouts believe he can become an elite attacking playmaker and goalscorer. The only concerns are its size (6-5, 172 pounds), shot range, and defense. It is not something he cannot overcome in the right situation.
As a strong driver, mature decision maker and disruptive defender, Suggs is almost complete as a two-way player. His perimeter shooting numbers (34.9% from 3-point range, 73.2% from free throws) need improvement, but his mechanics are solid and suggests he could become a reliable shooter. Suggs, Mr. Football and Mr. Basketball from Minnesota last year, has the physical tools and leadership skills NBA teams like.
Although Green was the headliner when the Ignite formed as a professional development team for NBA prospects last year, Kuminga garnered early raves as a top performer. At 6-8, 225 pounds and a wingspan of 7 feet, Kuminga has the ideal setting for a combo forward. While questions about his decision-making, emotional maturity, and polish remain open, his impressive combination of strength, speed, and defensive fluidity is rare.
Barnes is one of the most interesting players to consider for the 2021 draft. At 6: 8 and a span of 7: 2, Barnes is the ideal size and length for a striker, but plays point guard for the Seminoles because of his selflessness and ball handling skills. He can also defend guards, strikers and centers. He won’t lead a team in the standings, but he is a natural mediator who can keep the offensive going.
Johnson had an uneven season after missing a month between games due to a foot injury and coronavirus-related delays. In his first appearance with the Blue Devils, he had 19 points and 19 rebounds, in his next four games an average of 7.3 points and 3.5 rebounds. In his second second leg he exploded for 24 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and two steals. At 6-9, 220 pounds, Johnson is a physically imposing newbie with the ability to score the dribble, ricochet well, and hold multiple positions. The only question is whether he can put everything together consistently or not.
Ref: https://www.mercurynews.com
