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Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

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AlexS
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Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by AlexS »

With the 2023-2024 season inching to a close, it seems to be an appropriate time to review the 5 players selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023 draft.

The TImberwolves currently sit at 15-56, with league rankings in respective categories : #23 PPG offense, #30 Reb/G, #14 BL/G, #14 STL/G, #28 TO/G, #3 3FGM (Go Tyus and Brad!!), #24 FTM, and #29 PPG defense.

Woof, as you can see it has been a long season. Head coach Randy Wittman has relied extensively on the 2023 draft class (clearly leading to a difficult season) as the group of 5 players have accounted for ~28% of all minutes played by Timberwolves players this season. It can be argued that all of the 5 players have been pushed into playing time that they are not quite ready for. Now to the player review.

PF Kyle Wiltjer : Rd 1 - Pick 22 : 22mpg, 9.1ppg, 2.7rbg, 1.2apg, 0.3spg, 0.8bpg. 38/36.5/88
Wiltjer has played largely as advertised coming out of college from Gonzaga : good 3pt and FT shooting, poor man to man defense, poor rebounding, and good shot blocking. Wiltjer has really struggled defensively, as he has been asked to play both forward positions, and boasts a robust .103STP%. Hopefully the new engine will allow the Wolves to hide his warts and accentuate his strengths.

PG Trevon Duval : Rd 2 - Pick 31 : 13.2mpg, 3.3ppg, 1.0rbg, 2.9apg, 0.3spg, 0.0bpg, 0.8tog. 32.5/30/57
Duval came out of Duke advertised as a floor general capable of running the offense smoothly and playmaking for teammates. He has done a great job of limiting turnovers as a 20 year old rookie, and also shows strong playmaking skills. His playmaking and ability to run the offense is severely limited by his putrid shooting, with his only saving grace is that he generally does not look to shoot, at all with only a 16.9usg%.

PF Ray Spalding : Rd 2 - Pick 32 : 18mpg, 5.8ppg, 4.9rbg, 0.5apg, 0.1spg, 0.9bpg. 56.5/20/52
The Louisville product has been the most productive rookie out of the 2023 draft class. He simply knows his game : dunks/layups/putbacks, rebound, block shots and has not strayed from the formula that led him to be drafted #32 overall. He struggles 1 on 1 in the post and has no outside shot, so his game is limited in the modern NBA game and the upcoming 19 transition, however he has become at least a rotational role player for the Wolves.

PG/SG Naz Mitrou-Long : Rd 2 - Pick 35 : 7.6mpg, 3.7ppg, 0.7rbg, 0.6apg, 0.1spg, 0.1bpg. 42.7/42.1/81
It has been a promising season for the ISU grad. He has shown flashes of a good to great shooter in a limited, and inconsistent role. He struggled to fine playing time behind an established backcourt, but has shot the ball well when given the opportunity. Like his other classmates, he struggles defensively and doesn't force turnovers at a high rate and will always struggle if given high minutes. But, with his strong shooting abilities appears to be an end of bench player in the CSL.

C Maxi Kleber : R2 - Pick 52 : 10.3mpg, 2.6ppg, 2.5rbg, 0.6apg, 0.0spg, 0.2bpg. 32.2/34/90
The 25yo rookie from Germany has had an interesting rookie season. He has shown flashes of what could be an end of bench CSL player, with great FT shooting and potentially a weapon as a 3pt shooter in the new engine. He couples his shooting range with OK rebounding and just below average man to man defense. But he is allergic to creating turnovers defensively and is mostly just a guy who doesn't foul defensively. He rarely shoots the ball, which is good because of his inability to shoot anything but 3's and FT's. I'm not sure what else to say about him? Other than I think I've spent too many words analyzing Maxe Kleber.

So there you have it, a review of the Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 draft class.

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cb4raptorscb4
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by cb4raptorscb4 »

An interesting group of guys given most are 2nd rounders. Obviously no hidden gems, though it does look like Spalding has put together a nice season. Best of luck!
Golden State Warriors
Kris Dunn | PJ Dozier | Ding Yanyuhang | Kevon Looney | Chimezie Metu
Devonte Graham | Nimrod Levi | Tariq Owens | Johnny Hamilton
'23: 34-48 (5-8 as GM)
'24: 40-42, 1st Round Exit
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'27: 44-38, Missed Playoffs
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'30: 48-34, Conference Finals Loss (4-1)

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Rizzo
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by Rizzo »

These pieces would seem to fit better in a DDS19 offensive system so it will be interesting to see how you get the most out of them.
Career Accolades:
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Flaming Homer
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by Flaming Homer »

Wiltjer and Spalding could be rotation player, but I hope this years pick will get some better talent on board!

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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by Flaming Homer »

Rizzo wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2019 2:10 pm These pieces would seem to fit better in a DDS19 offensive system so it will be interesting to see how you get the most out of them.
Yeah the switch could really help here

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Stockton12
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by Stockton12 »

Plus Spalding did get a boost

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AlexS
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by AlexS »

cb4raptorscb4 wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2019 12:40 pm An interesting group of guys given most are 2nd rounders. Obviously no hidden gems, though it does look like Spalding has put together a nice season. Best of luck!
Thanks, it is an interesting mix for sure. Despite the minutes they've logged, I'm still not %100 sure what I have in everyone

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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by AlexS »

Stockton12 wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2019 7:19 am Plus Spalding did get a boost
Love that boost!!

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AlexS
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by AlexS »

Rizzo wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2019 2:10 pm These pieces would seem to fit better in a DDS19 offensive system so it will be interesting to see how you get the most out of them.
Agree, all of these guys have their flaws so the increased flexibility 19 provides should help them be more viable options.

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AlexS
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by AlexS »

AlexS wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2019 4:50 pm
Stockton12 wrote: Sat Dec 28, 2019 7:19 am Plus Spalding did get a boost
Love that boost!!
Right on cue, he drops 25-11-2 on 12-12 shooting!

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hardenwithnod
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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by hardenwithnod »

Spalding is looking like a steal thus far, especially with that boost. He looks to be a good rim protector, and finisher, which is always good to have.
Big changes are coming in D.C.

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Re: Reviewing Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Draft

Post by Andrewu91 »

All I can say is, since I've been here for 5 life years .... The Wolves finally have their 1st this year!
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