Latest NBA Mock Draft Lands Minnesota Timberwolves an Under the Radar Stud

Oh, you thought the Minnesota Timberwolves were without a first round NBA Draft for at least the next decade, after trading them all for Rudy Gobert? Not this year. Hopefully, it will be the last pick in the first round, but the Wolves do own their own 2024 draft pick.

They also own Memphis’ second round pick, No. 37 overall. Those may not be sure-fire HOF slots, but there should be a lot of talent to be had from No. 27 to No. 37, and Tim Connelly (if he is still the PoBO) has a knack for hitting on dudes right in that area of drafts past.

NBA Mock Draft: Minnesota Timberwolves draft Baylor Scheierman (Creighton) at No. 27 overall

In their most recent NBA mock draft, ESPN pinned the Minnesota Timberwolves on one of the more fascinating names projected to go around the No. 30 slot. Baylor Scheierman (Creighton) is considered one of the best shooters in this class. He’s incredible at finding open space and when he’s open he rarely misses.

The 6’7″ Scheierman can also run the point and get his own shot, when needed. He has legit size and even more legit offensive skill. At the NBA Draft Combine, he showed all that off and more, opening eyes around the league.

The Timberwolves are in the midst of a fantastic season, currently competing in the Western Conference finals, and have enviable depth and talent at nearly every position. Like every team, adding wing depth and shooting will likely be priorities to continue to space the floor effectively for their twin-towers lineup, which have been very successful. Scheierman was one of the big winners of the combine, being one of the best players on the floor in the live action and looking like a plug-and-play option with his excellent combination of size, perimeter shooting versatility, feel for the game and competitiveness.

Jonathan Givony – ESPN+

Strong outing for Creighton's Baylor Scheierman at the NBA Draft Combine, with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals in a win. Made shots from all over the floor, showed his feel for the game as a passer, and brought good intensity fighting over screens and generating turnovers. pic.twitter.com/s3S2gXWBY3

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2024

Of course, late 1st round picks are crap-shoot status, but no doubt Scheierman represents the exact type of talent that often falls down the draft board, but immediately makes an impact for his new NBA roster. In the video above, an analyst describes him as a kid who would be “plug and play” on most NBA rosters from day one.

Related: 3 Timberwolves vs Mavericks Series Tone Setters to Watch for in Game One

With Mike Conley under contract and Anthony Edwards the next face of the NBA, there would be no hurry for a guy like Scheierman to contribute right away. But it sure would be nice to have a dynamic ball-handler off the bench who can create and run the offense for the 2nd team. That’s exactly what the Timberwolves have been missing for a lot of this year.

Baylor Scheierman had a great season for Creighton. Baylor finished the season averaging

18.5 PPG
9.0 RPG
3.9 APG
60% TS
38% 3FG

Baylor was also named to the All American Third Team as well. pic.twitter.com/BjrAYBdRnl

— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) April 18, 2024

NBA Mock Draft: Minnesota Timberwolves draft Juan Nunez (Ratiopharm Ulm – Germany) at No. 37 overall

Minnesota’s second round pick, according to ESPN’s mock draft, is Germany’s Juan Nunez. The point guard playing for Ratiopharm Ulm would get an opportunity to come in and work alongside Mike Conley. Finch’s point guard rotation could use some work, and it’s why the franchise found a need to go and grab Monte Morris at the trade deadline.

There should be no expectation for Nunez, or anyone else taken at 37, to impact the Timberwolves roster next year. That player should be sent to the G-League as a developmental prospect, and with someone like Nunez being just 19 years old, a level of youth on their side is favorable.

16pts, 5ast, 5reb & 2stl for Juan Nuñez 🇪🇸 in yesterday's game vs. Bonn. The @ratiopharmulm Guard is one of the best passers in the 2024 Draft, being quick to read the floor and creative and accurate with his deliveries. He was able to attack the rim in this game as well. pic.twitter.com/lU8A2fiTkt

— Ignacio Rissotto (@eyreball) February 11, 2024

Plenty of other notable names show up throughout ESPN’s mock draft as well. Alex Sarr, the big man from Australia, is projected to go first overall with France’s Zaccharie Risacher tabbed as the second pick. Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard represents the first collegiate draftee. National Player of the Year Zach Edey is projected to go 14th.

Related: Gopher Star Cam Christie Ranked Near Top of NCAA Transfer Portal

The Minnesota Gophers make an appearance with Cam Christie projected as an early second round pick, being taken 35th overall, two spots before the Wolves select Nunez. Christie is not expected back in Dinkytown, whether he leaves his name in the draft or not. After just one season at Minnesota, Christie would be one of the youngest players in this draft, at 18.8 years old.

Bronny James, son of LeBron James if you haven’t heard, is slated for 54th overall. Despite steam that he could be in play for a first round selection, his true talent level should have him going much later. If his dad really will join him on any team, it sets up an interesting discussion for front offices.