The Wolves didn't move from their expected spot in the draft lottery, and now hold the 13th pick in the draft. After that anti-climactic non-event, it's time now to surf the web to see who the "experts" think our pups are likely to select.
The SBN mock draft has Cleveland going with Joel Embiid first overall, and sees the Wolves choosing James Young out of Kentucky. Interestingly, that mock has some of the other names linked to the Wolves already off the board: Nik Stauskas, Zach LaVine, and Gary Harris. They see Doug McDermott and Dario Saric dropping. I'd be pretty disappointed if Saric were there and the Wolves passed.
The Draft Express mock draft sees Wiggins as first off the board, and also has the Wolves taking Young. They also have Stauskas off the board, but Harris and LaVine still available.
I guess we better take a look at James Young, small forward. A very young player, he won't turn 19 until August. We've been over it before, but he doesn't really impress statistically, but does seem to have some physical prowess. It would be a disappointing pick, I think, but then we're used to that.
His Draft Express page has the stats.
I have to say, that scouting video is somewhat depressing. Even his strengths are basically weaknesses in disguise.
Hoopshype has the Wolves selecting Dario Saric, the Croatian forward and favorite of RBE. He's a bit of a do everything forward with good ball skills and a decent rebounder. Lots of professional and international experience for a 20 year old.
Zach Harper at CBS Sports has Embiid going to the Cavs, and the Wolves taking Adreian Payne, the Michigan State senior power forward. He's a big body with some outside shooting touch and would certainly be able to help the team sooner than James Young.
Another guy that has been speculated for the Wolves a couple of times since the combine is Zach LaVine, the UCLA guard. Another player whose physical traits are more impressive than what he did on the basketball court, he's one of the UCL-f'nA guys, and was apparently very impressive at the combine.
Who do you think the Wolves should take? Who will they take? Will the twain meet?