[SnowtaParticipant]

I posted about this a couple months back and at that time really wanted the Wolves to take Ivan Rabb with their lottery pick. Obviously, that is no longer an option and now I can’t decide who I want to take with the #5 pick. My dream scenario is that Simmons, Ingram, Bender, and Brown go top 4. That would leave the Wolves with a ton of options whether they choose to stay at 5 or move back. The guys I’m interested in if this is the case (in no specifc order) would be Hield, Murray, Dunn, Ellenson, and although I’d be shocked if they took him I’m intrigued by Chriss. Here’s the reasons I’d want each of the aforementioned players paired with the young Wolves core…

Hield – Obviously provides a huge need in a lights out shooter and could really solidify the bench. I love Buddy’s work ethic and think he’d fit in perfectly personality wise with KAT, Wig, and Lavine. I also think at 6’5” with a 6’9” wingspan and good (I think underrated) athleticism I don’t see any reason he can’t become a well above average defender. Plus he won’t be asked to carry as heavy an offensive load as he was at OU which would allow him to expend more energy on D. Plus I think Tibs would LOVE him and really carve out a great role for him.

Murray – Love the versatility he’d provide to the Wolves backcourt. I think his point skills are underrated and were overshadowed by what he was asked to do at UK. I think it’s similar to Towns freshman year where Cal literally did not let him play outside at all and people forgot how good he was away from the basket. He still fills a big need with his shooting and would provide the option of playing him with Rubio or Lavine, which I don’t think you could do with Buddy.

Ellenson – I’ve probably seen less of Ellenson than any of these guys listed and I’ll admit when I first saw him play I was not very impressed. However, the more I look at him I have to admit I’m coming around on his NBA potential. He had great measurements at the combine and the idea of two 7 footers in him and Towns that can both play inside and out and rebound at a high level is very intriguing. I hear a lot about his shortcomings defensively, but it seems like he moves well for his size and with his great size and length I have a hard time believing he wouldn’t at least become an average defensive player especially under Tibs.

Dunn – I’m a big Dunn fan, but I just don’t see him fitting really well with the current roster. I am in the camp that Rubio can be a starting PG on a very good team if you surround him with the right players that hide his weaknesses. I’ll admit I love the idea of Dunn leading the break with KAT, Wig, LaVine, Bazz, etc. running along with him. As good of a playmaker as Rubio is he doesn’t necessarily have the explosiveness to really ignite the break especially with all the elite athletes on the roster currently. I’m very intrigued how this team would look with Dunn at the point long-term, but don’t feel him and Rubio could coexist. That would mean moving Rubio, which wouldn’t be the end of the world, but is less than ideal in my opinion.

Chriss – I really just love the idea of a Towns-Chriss frontcourt. The athleticism and length would be extremely hard to deal with and could make for an unbelievably versatile lineup. I think Chriss has one of the highest ceilings in this draft and the thought of all that potential gets me really excited.

Here’s my concerns about each prospect…

Hield – His game might be a little too similar to Zach’s and their inability to play together could make it difficult for them to coexist long term.

Murray – I just worry about his defense and if he would come in with aspirations of wanting to become a star player/focal point rather than accepting a role supporting Towns and Wiggins.

Ellenson – Doesn’t have the highest ceiling and I could see him struggling with NBA athleticism.

Dunn – Too similar to Rubio. Shooting could add to the teams floor spacing issues.

Chriss – Too much of a project, may take too long to develop into a player that contributes to winning. He’s also the player I worry about the most on this list in terms of his mental makeup.

With all that said, my dream scenario if all these guys are there would be to try to move back. I’m pretty indifferent on who we end up with and I would love to grab another late 1^st round pick. I don’t think this is very likely, but if the Nuggets really fell in love with one of these prospects I wonder if they’d be willing to trade 7 and 19 to move up to 5. If that was the case I would love to see them take one of these guards and take a flier on a high potential big like Maker or Diallo.

Mainly I’m just really split on what they should do and want to hear people’s opinions on what they think the Wolves should do with the 5^th pick.

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Pretty good analysis, though I’ll counterpoint specifically on Dunn – discussing all would take all night and I don’t got that kinda time at the moment. 

you are right in that they are similar only if you look at their current jump shots. Dunn isn’t a great shooter. He’s a better athlete and with time, should be a very good defender. 

He doesn’t necessarily fit with Rubio, but we are a year removed from Ricky missing 60 games and Tyus Jones as the only other option on the team. 

What is wrong with Dunn coming in, running the second unit and play 18-22 minutes per game for a year or two? When Rubio’s contract is up, you decide on which guy you like more. At that time, Dunn will have had time to fully acclimate himself to the NBA game and would be readymade to step in and start as the lead guard. 

I also disagree with the "Dunn could ignite the break the way Rubio can’t" remark in that Rubio is a terrific outlet passer…probably as good as it gets in the league. His lack of speed is probably an asset because he knows it and rather than try to dribble up the floor, he passes. 

I’m pro-Dunn for the Wolves. The draft is more than just a guy’s rookie year. Dunn could be a role player as a rookie, feasting on opposing bench PGs and eventually be the successor to Rubio or a very valuable trade chip. Use him the way OKC used Reggie Jackson. 

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Pretty good analysis, though I’ll counterpoint specifically on Dunn – discussing all would take all night and I don’t got that kinda time at the moment. 

you are right in that they are similar only if you look at their current jump shots. Dunn isn’t a great shooter. He’s a better athlete and with time, should be a very good defender. 

He doesn’t necessarily fit with Rubio, but we are a year removed from Ricky missing 60 games and Tyus Jones as the only other option on the team. 

What is wrong with Dunn coming in, running the second unit and play 18-22 minutes per game for a year or two? When Rubio’s contract is up, you decide on which guy you like more. At that time, Dunn will have had time to fully acclimate himself to the NBA game and would be readymade to step in and start as the lead guard. 

I also disagree with the "Dunn could ignite the break the way Rubio can’t" remark in that Rubio is a terrific outlet passer…probably as good as it gets in the league. His lack of speed is probably an asset because he knows it and rather than try to dribble up the floor, he passes. 

I’m pro-Dunn for the Wolves. The draft is more than just a guy’s rookie year. Dunn could be a role player as a rookie, feasting on opposing bench PGs and eventually be the successor to Rubio or a very valuable trade chip. Use him the way OKC used Reggie Jackson. 

 

 

 

 

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

 That’s a good point, Rubio-Dunn could be a great PG duo. I also agree with your point that Rubio is a very good outlet passer, but I do think his lack of speed/explosiveness has hurt the Wolves fastbreak because the young guys don’t necessarily know how to run the fastbreak with the ball in their hands. Wiggins, Zach, and Bazz all have the athleticism to be dynamic on the break, but none of them are great at making decisions when handling the ball running a fastbreak. I expect them all to get better at this as they get older.

I guess my question would be, it seems like you’re pretty high on Rubio, so wouldn’t you rather draft a player that could compliments him (Buddy or Murray) than a player that provides much of the same? My point is, why draft someone that will force you to make a decision between two of your better assets when you have the opportunity to draft a guy that would allow both to coexist long term?

 

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

 That’s a good point, Rubio-Dunn could be a great PG duo. I also agree with your point that Rubio is a very good outlet passer, but I do think his lack of speed/explosiveness has hurt the Wolves fastbreak because the young guys don’t necessarily know how to run the fastbreak with the ball in their hands. Wiggins, Zach, and Bazz all have the athleticism to be dynamic on the break, but none of them are great at making decisions when handling the ball running a fastbreak. I expect them all to get better at this as they get older.

I guess my question would be, it seems like you’re pretty high on Rubio, so wouldn’t you rather draft a player that could compliments him (Buddy or Murray) than a player that provides much of the same? My point is, why draft someone that will force you to make a decision between two of your better assets when you have the opportunity to draft a guy that would allow both to coexist long term?

 

 

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 100%. Besides the fact that I think Dunn is tied, in my mind, with Bender as being the third best prospect in the draft, I just think taking Dunn and playing 48 minutes of "starter level point guard play" is too intriguing.

Having that Reggie Jackson to your Westbrook, Schoeder to your Teague, Bledsoe to your Paul. Plus, if you have LaVine coming off the bench, they’d be up there with the best bench backcourt tandems in the league and Dunn’s size and sturdy frame give him the ability to handle two-guards if LaVine can’t handle them.

Also, Dunn just seems like a proto-typical Thibs players, just all around tough two-way player. I can already see LaVine defensively giving him some headaches, so to pair a rookie like Jamal Murray, who I don’t see hanging on the defensive end well, would drive him nuts. And there’s just a redudancy where you can’t maximize Murray or Hield with LaVine in the longterm the way you can with Dunn since they’re all smaller shooting guard unlike Dunn, even though that’ll most likely phase out Rubio. I would like Buddy Hield a bit more if he was a better passer but we never saw that at Oklahoma. I could also see Dunn develop as a quality shooter like Bledsoe. His jumper isn’t completely broken like Elfrid Payton for example. Then with bigs like Ellenson or Chriss, they’d just never see the floor much with Thibs as the coach.

Nevertheless, drafting Dunn doesn’t mean the writing is on the wall for Rubio. There’s a good use for a backup point guard on this team, which I don’t see Tyus Jones locking it down. So Dunn is probably the best choice.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 100%. Besides the fact that I think Dunn is tied, in my mind, with Bender as being the third best prospect in the draft, I just think taking Dunn and playing 48 minutes of "starter level point guard play" is too intriguing.

Having that Reggie Jackson to your Westbrook, Schoeder to your Teague, Bledsoe to your Paul. Plus, if you have LaVine coming off the bench, they’d be up there with the best bench backcourt tandems in the league and Dunn’s size and sturdy frame give him the ability to handle two-guards if LaVine can’t handle them.

Also, Dunn just seems like a proto-typical Thibs players, just all around tough two-way player. I can already see LaVine defensively giving him some headaches, so to pair a rookie like Jamal Murray, who I don’t see hanging on the defensive end well, would drive him nuts. And there’s just a redudancy where you can’t maximize Murray or Hield with LaVine in the longterm the way you can with Dunn since they’re all smaller shooting guard unlike Dunn, even though that’ll most likely phase out Rubio. I would like Buddy Hield a bit more if he was a better passer but we never saw that at Oklahoma. I could also see Dunn develop as a quality shooter like Bledsoe. His jumper isn’t completely broken like Elfrid Payton for example. Then with bigs like Ellenson or Chriss, they’d just never see the floor much with Thibs as the coach.

Nevertheless, drafting Dunn doesn’t mean the writing is on the wall for Rubio. There’s a good use for a backup point guard on this team, which I don’t see Tyus Jones locking it down. So Dunn is probably the best choice.

[benny15Participant]

 honestly think wolves will take hield at the end of the day. given chicago’s 1st round picks during thibs’ time there, they usually went with a veteran and not a young project kid. the only time they went with a one and done prospect was with teague and that dint really pan out. so im expecting a simillar trend to happen in this draft on going with more college proven players.

[benny15Participant]

 honestly think wolves will take hield at the end of the day. given chicago’s 1st round picks during thibs’ time there, they usually went with a veteran and not a young project kid. the only time they went with a one and done prospect was with teague and that dint really pan out. so im expecting a simillar trend to happen in this draft on going with more college proven players.

[Dr.RedParticipant]

The Wolves have the benefit of having a great young roster in place, so they can take BPA all day and feel great about it. I’m not sure if I draft for need in top 5 of any draft. Fortunately, the BPA in this year’s class is likely to fill a need for Minnesota. 

I’d take Hield first and foremost, if he is available, as he is the perfect fit on their roster. Murray is my 2nd option. Dunn is 3rd. After that, I’d take any of Sabonis, Ellenson, Maker, Poeltl, or Brown.

Like I said, the Wolves are in a fortunate position to take the BPA and it likely fills a niche that needs filling. 

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I agree and disagree with you. I agree because this is probably the last time the Wolves will have this high of a draft pick and will have a chance to really swing for the fences for another player with star potential. I disagree with you though because normally teams drafting this high don’t have young franchise cornerstones like KAT and Wig. What I’m trying to say is because of the Wolves current situation I think you have to at least consider fit somewhat. For example, if Brown and Poeltl were 3 and 4 on your big board (they definitely are not for me), I don’t think you take them if you’re the Wolves when you have KAT and Wig. I guess the key would be as long as there’s not a huge gap between 3, 4, and 5 on your big board. Obviously you don’t want to draft someone that has way less potential just to fill a need.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I agree and disagree with you. I agree because this is probably the last time the Wolves will have this high of a draft pick and will have a chance to really swing for the fences for another player with star potential. I disagree with you though because normally teams drafting this high don’t have young franchise cornerstones like KAT and Wig. What I’m trying to say is because of the Wolves current situation I think you have to at least consider fit somewhat. For example, if Brown and Poeltl were 3 and 4 on your big board (they definitely are not for me), I don’t think you take them if you’re the Wolves when you have KAT and Wig. I guess the key would be as long as there’s not a huge gap between 3, 4, and 5 on your big board. Obviously you don’t want to draft someone that has way less potential just to fill a need.

[Dr.RedParticipant]

The Wolves have the benefit of having a great young roster in place, so they can take BPA all day and feel great about it. I’m not sure if I draft for need in top 5 of any draft. Fortunately, the BPA in this year’s class is likely to fill a need for Minnesota. 

I’d take Hield first and foremost, if he is available, as he is the perfect fit on their roster. Murray is my 2nd option. Dunn is 3rd. After that, I’d take any of Sabonis, Ellenson, Maker, Poeltl, or Brown.

Like I said, the Wolves are in a fortunate position to take the BPA and it likely fills a niche that needs filling. 

[kobyzParticipant]

 Why you wanted Rabb? Is like a Dieng clone so no need for him…

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I think Rabb has a much higher ceiling than Gorgui, especially at the 4. Gorgui played well there last year and is definitely a solid option, but I would much rather have Rabb starting next to Towns long term than Gorgui. In my opinion, Rabb is a more fluid athlete, has a better feel for the game and is 7 years younger. I think I have a higher opinion of Rabb than most, but I feel he can be a very solid starter on a really good team. As much as Gorgui has improved, I think the ideal role for him is as a 3rd big.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I think Rabb has a much higher ceiling than Gorgui, especially at the 4. Gorgui played well there last year and is definitely a solid option, but I would much rather have Rabb starting next to Towns long term than Gorgui. In my opinion, Rabb is a more fluid athlete, has a better feel for the game and is 7 years younger. I think I have a higher opinion of Rabb than most, but I feel he can be a very solid starter on a really good team. As much as Gorgui has improved, I think the ideal role for him is as a 3rd big.

[kobyzParticipant]

 Why you wanted Rabb? Is like a Dieng clone so no need for him…

[DolanCareParticipant]

You take Hield if he falls. Lavine can earn the starting spot over Buddy if he can, but his Jamal Crawford/Gerald Green kind of game is tailor made for a sixth man in the NBA.

If Buddy is gone, you have to go Dunn and not even think about how Rubio would fit into the picture. Dunn plays behind Rubio and perhaps becomes the future PG for the Wolves, something that I honestly support. Rubio is injury prone and his passing ability can’t be fully utilized when defenders are sagging off of him. Dunn is not a knock-down shooter but shows way more promise. He also will probably be a better finisher at the rim. 

Murray would be my third choice. Love the talent, but they really don’t need a combo guard. They need shooting, defense and leadership which I think is more present in Buddy and Dunn. 

 

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

I respect your opinion and thanks for commenting. I will say it drives me crazy though when people pencil Zach in as a 6^th man. He’s 21 years old and avg 14/3/3 last year shooting 45% and 39% from 3. When other guys put up production like that at 21 that aren’t seen as ‘huge projects’ coming into the league people talk about them as future all-stars, but with Zach they say 6^th man/Jamal Crawford type. No offense to Crawford and he’s had a great career and really carved out a niche for himself, but I think Zach will end up as a much better player. When Crawford was Zach’s age he wasn’t even avg 10 pts/gm. Don’t get me started on Gerald Green..

I understand he’s not a good defender, but is one of the quickest guys in the league laterally. As he gets stronger and Tibs gets his hands on him I think he will turn into a well above average defender.

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

I respect your opinion and thanks for commenting. I will say it drives me crazy though when people pencil Zach in as a 6^th man. He’s 21 years old and avg 14/3/3 last year shooting 45% and 39% from 3. When other guys put up production like that at 21 that aren’t seen as ‘huge projects’ coming into the league people talk about them as future all-stars, but with Zach they say 6^th man/Jamal Crawford type. No offense to Crawford and he’s had a great career and really carved out a niche for himself, but I think Zach will end up as a much better player. When Crawford was Zach’s age he wasn’t even avg 10 pts/gm. Don’t get me started on Gerald Green..

I understand he’s not a good defender, but is one of the quickest guys in the league laterally. As he gets stronger and Tibs gets his hands on him I think he will turn into a well above average defender.

 

[DolanCareParticipant]

You take Hield if he falls. Lavine can earn the starting spot over Buddy if he can, but his Jamal Crawford/Gerald Green kind of game is tailor made for a sixth man in the NBA.

If Buddy is gone, you have to go Dunn and not even think about how Rubio would fit into the picture. Dunn plays behind Rubio and perhaps becomes the future PG for the Wolves, something that I honestly support. Rubio is injury prone and his passing ability can’t be fully utilized when defenders are sagging off of him. Dunn is not a knock-down shooter but shows way more promise. He also will probably be a better finisher at the rim. 

Murray would be my third choice. Love the talent, but they really don’t need a combo guard. They need shooting, defense and leadership which I think is more present in Buddy and Dunn. 

 

 

[dbeal21Participant]

I think there is a decent chance that all 3 of Buddy, Murray, and Dunn being left at the 5 spot. So what I hope we can pull off is a trade along the lines of the 5th pick for Denvers 7th and I believe 16th pick. This would be awesome as we get one of those 3 mentioned guys we need as well as the 16th, which I would LOVE if we did this and the 16th pick we made was for Thon Maker. Turn the 5th pick of Buddy/Murray/Dunn into Buddy/Murray/Dunn and a huge ceiling PF in Thon Maker.

[dbeal21Participant]

I think there is a decent chance that all 3 of Buddy, Murray, and Dunn being left at the 5 spot. So what I hope we can pull off is a trade along the lines of the 5th pick for Denvers 7th and I believe 16th pick. This would be awesome as we get one of those 3 mentioned guys we need as well as the 16th, which I would LOVE if we did this and the 16th pick we made was for Thon Maker. Turn the 5th pick of Buddy/Murray/Dunn into Buddy/Murray/Dunn and a huge ceiling PF in Thon Maker.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 Couldn’t agree more that would be my dream scenario. The Nuggets have 7, 15, and 19, so obviously 7 and 15 would be amazing, but I’d take 7 and 19 too. Just can’t tell if they’d fall in love with anyone enough to pull the trigger on that.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 Couldn’t agree more that would be my dream scenario. The Nuggets have 7, 15, and 19, so obviously 7 and 15 would be amazing, but I’d take 7 and 19 too. Just can’t tell if they’d fall in love with anyone enough to pull the trigger on that.

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 I’d take Dunn for a few reasons. 

A. I’m not sold on Rubio being the long term solution at PG. I like his progress, but he’s still an abomination as a shooter and I can’t get over the amount of time he’s missed. Having Tyus Jones as a starter for 50-some games is something I’d rather not go through. 

B. The team’s achilles heal down the stretch was their bench. I don’t see Hield boosting the bench that much because as its been talked about, he’s a great spot up shooter. Who’s going to get him the ball? I also don’t know how he and Lavine can coexist if neither can guard on the perimeter. I envision Dunn coming in and running that second unit and rather than the team blowing leads in the second quarter and late third into early 4th, Dunn can help them tread water or increase the lead. It’s alot easier to surround a good PG with stand-still shooters or complimentary guys than it is to get a good shot creator for a bunch of snipers. 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 I’d take Dunn for a few reasons. 

A. I’m not sold on Rubio being the long term solution at PG. I like his progress, but he’s still an abomination as a shooter and I can’t get over the amount of time he’s missed. Having Tyus Jones as a starter for 50-some games is something I’d rather not go through. 

B. The team’s achilles heal down the stretch was their bench. I don’t see Hield boosting the bench that much because as its been talked about, he’s a great spot up shooter. Who’s going to get him the ball? I also don’t know how he and Lavine can coexist if neither can guard on the perimeter. I envision Dunn coming in and running that second unit and rather than the team blowing leads in the second quarter and late third into early 4th, Dunn can help them tread water or increase the lead. It’s alot easier to surround a good PG with stand-still shooters or complimentary guys than it is to get a good shot creator for a bunch of snipers. 

 

 

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

You conviced me, thunder or hawks enjoyed their Jackson or Schroeder back ups while having a starting point….

Rubio ain’t that reliable…

Thibs should love his D, he’s not valuing the 3 pts shot like the rest of us and  he paid the price big time with Rose injuries, never had a legit back up point.

Wiggins ain’t a playmaker, you need 3 of them in every roster.

Dunn is the man, core player in a 9 mens rotation, you’ll draft or bring a PF, shooters, role players, later.

 

 

 

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

You conviced me, thunder or hawks enjoyed their Jackson or Schroeder back ups while having a starting point….

Rubio ain’t that reliable…

Thibs should love his D, he’s not valuing the 3 pts shot like the rest of us and  he paid the price big time with Rose injuries, never had a legit back up point.

Wiggins ain’t a playmaker, you need 3 of them in every roster.

Dunn is the man, core player in a 9 mens rotation, you’ll draft or bring a PF, shooters, role players, later.

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 I think you are the first one I’ve convinced 🙂 It’s a start. Welcome to the light my friend. 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 I think you are the first one I’ve convinced 🙂 It’s a start. Welcome to the light my friend. 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 That was great, all the options, except for the trading ones.

Trading down, up, out, all possible.

 

If Dunn is picked, Rubio is traded.  If Hield or J Murray, LaVine to the bench.  Ellenson, Sabonis, into the starting lineup, probably although Dieng might.  Chriss, J Brown, athletes with several years of bench play ahead of them, but maybe exciting times later.  Poeltl, Towns would be the power forward.

One trade down idea, Pekovic and pick 5 for later picks from teams like Phoenix or Denver.  That would clear $24million of future money, as those teams could absorb the Pekovic contract, and allow Minnesota to target a free agent or two.  Players at 15 and 19, or 13 and 28, could still be very good for Minnesota.  

Right now I predict Buddy, his shooting to keep teams away from Wiggins and Towns would be very useful.

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 That was great, all the options, except for the trading ones.

Trading down, up, out, all possible.

 

If Dunn is picked, Rubio is traded.  If Hield or J Murray, LaVine to the bench.  Ellenson, Sabonis, into the starting lineup, probably although Dieng might.  Chriss, J Brown, athletes with several years of bench play ahead of them, but maybe exciting times later.  Poeltl, Towns would be the power forward.

One trade down idea, Pekovic and pick 5 for later picks from teams like Phoenix or Denver.  That would clear $24million of future money, as those teams could absorb the Pekovic contract, and allow Minnesota to target a free agent or two.  Players at 15 and 19, or 13 and 28, could still be very good for Minnesota.  

Right now I predict Buddy, his shooting to keep teams away from Wiggins and Towns would be very useful.

 

 

 

[Author]

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