Going to Minnesota @ Pick 16. For Pistons fans, this is our pick. It's top 13 protected, but it goes to Minnesota (via NY) based on Pistons' record. Another parting gift from Troy Weaver.
Junior | TS%: 59.7%
Scouting report: Wolf might be college basketball's most unique player, ranking as the best pick-and-roll player in this draft class while being measured at 7-0. He's exceptionally skilled with his ability to handle, pass and finish with either hand, and is making 37% of his 3-pointers. He also rebounds prolifically, makes plays in passing lanes and protects the rim with outstanding basketball instincts. He isn't seeing as many reps at point guard as he did earlier in the season after racking up 22 turnovers in a recent five-game span -- NBA teams have seen different sides of his game, however, with the myriad ways he contributes to winning. He's a little polarizing among scouts because of his unorthodox style, combined with his average speed, high turnover rate (27%) and poor free throw shooting (63%). He will have a lot of NBA eyes on him in March to see how he fares in some of Michigan's biggest games. -- Givony
NBA fit and intel: The Timberwolves likely weren't expecting to receive this pick at the outset of the season, with the Pistons' resurgence now giving it a real chance to convey, despite top-13 protections. It would be a nice break for Minnesota, given the team is not replete with future draft assets and the roster could use some balancing after trading away Karl-Anthony Towns. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly has historically been unafraid to swing big on talent, and Wolf's unique perimeter skill set at his size makes him one of the more interesting first-round prospects to monitor going into the spring. His playmaking could give the Minnesota rotation a boost. -- Woo
16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Danny Wolf, C, MichiganJunior | TS%: 59.7%
Scouting report: Wolf might be college basketball's most unique player, ranking as the best pick-and-roll player in this draft class while being measured at 7-0. He's exceptionally skilled with his ability to handle, pass and finish with either hand, and is making 37% of his 3-pointers. He also rebounds prolifically, makes plays in passing lanes and protects the rim with outstanding basketball instincts. He isn't seeing as many reps at point guard as he did earlier in the season after racking up 22 turnovers in a recent five-game span -- NBA teams have seen different sides of his game, however, with the myriad ways he contributes to winning. He's a little polarizing among scouts because of his unorthodox style, combined with his average speed, high turnover rate (27%) and poor free throw shooting (63%). He will have a lot of NBA eyes on him in March to see how he fares in some of Michigan's biggest games. -- Givony
NBA fit and intel: The Timberwolves likely weren't expecting to receive this pick at the outset of the season, with the Pistons' resurgence now giving it a real chance to convey, despite top-13 protections. It would be a nice break for Minnesota, given the team is not replete with future draft assets and the roster could use some balancing after trading away Karl-Anthony Towns. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly has historically been unafraid to swing big on talent, and Wolf's unique perimeter skill set at his size makes him one of the more interesting first-round prospects to monitor going into the spring. His playmaking could give the Minnesota rotation a boost. -- Woo
