Preview the Picks: Smooth Operator

Now that we’ve all had a day to clear our heads after an historically boring draft lottery, we can get back to the serious business of previewing prospects the Timberwolves may or may not draft with their number 5 pick. On the docket today, the four-year Sooner and sharp-shooter, Buddy Hield.

Here’s a taste of his game at its best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uK4EwZfZ1s

Measurables:

Height: 6’5 (in shoes)

Weight: 212 lbs

Wingspan: 6’9.25

Senior year stats: 25 points, 5.7 boards, 2 assists, 1.1 steals per game, 45.7% from three on 8.7 attempts per game (4 made per game). 55.2% from two, 88% free throws.

Projected Draft Range: 4-10

The Good:

Buddy Hield is the reigning Naismith National Player of the Year after leading Oklahoma to the Final Four and generally dominating all year long. He was the closest thing the NCAA had to Steph Curry this year as a shot-creator and three-point machine gun. He can make a shot from anywhere on the court, and can hit a shot of the dribble, though it’ll be harder for him to do so in the NBA.

He’s also by all accounts a great locker room guy. Positive and charismatic, and a dedicated worker to boot. He is a willing defender and rebounder and is as clutch as they come.

The Bad:

The struggles Hield will encounter will be more physical than mental. He will have to learn how to adapt his game to a league where most nights, he’ll be outmatched athletically by his mark. He will have to learn how to create space for his jumpshot when he can’t turn the corner on his defender and how to compensate for his average foot speed on defense. It won’t be easy but it’s also not impossible.

Final Thoughts:

I like Buddy Hield’s fit with this team, and I have a gut feeling Thibs might too. He probably won’t be a starter on a great team, but the Wolves should be hoping that they already have their two-guard of the future in LaVine (and Wiggins).

There is definitely need for another PF on the roster, but I love the idea of Buddy as the sixth man on this team. His age and maturity would be beneficial to this young team, and his demeanor seems to fit with KAT, Rubio, and (to a lesser extent) Wiggins.

The down side of Hield off the bench is the question of whether he and Muhammad could survive defensively, along with Jones and Bjelica. Maybe if Hield is picked, Layman tries to make a move for Shabazz? It might not be the worst idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOpw-WTPavc