2010 NBA Draft: Full Analysis and Grading of The Minnesota Timberwolves

This is very hard to do, because while the Timberwolves improve, it has yet to be seen blatantly obvious on paper and if it doesn't look that much better on paper, how much better can it look on the court?

The Minnesota Timberwolves fanbase went into the 2010 NBA draft with very high expectations. Of course, if your team won 15 games the previous season, and you had the 4th, 16th and 23rd overall pick, along with two 2nd round picks, cap room and top European contracts, one would expect the Wolves to regain some ground.

Now before we get into the selections and trades, I would like to present you with this grade scale that I came up with myself since everyone likes to take it back to school, and give a letter that represents how well the team did.

A= Excellent, B= Above Average/Good, C= Decent, D= Could have been better, F= Failure

Here's your scale:

• A- to A+: 45-50
• B- to B+: 40-45
• C- to C+: 35-40
• D- to D+: 30-35
• F- to F+: You get the picture
  

Wesley Johnson (4th overall pick)

Possible selections: Demarcus Cousins, Wesley Johnson.

Analysis: Because there were only 2 clear cut players that should go 4 and 5, the Minnesota Timberwolves couldn't go wrong here. Because the Timberwolves are looking to be a running/cutting team with a flow offense similar to the triangle offense, Wesley Johnson perfectly fits the bill. Because of his ability to shoot the ball, defend (blocking shots and stealing the ball), catch and finish, and filling a need that the Wolves need, it was a great pick for the Wolves.

Why not Demarcus Cousins?

Because Demarcus Cousins had immaturity issues, and because he did not fill a direct need. Because the Wolves desire to run, jump, slash and shoot the ball, Demarcus Cousins would have possibly have been out of place, and what supports my reasoning is that Cousins' direct NBA comparison is a taller Al Jefferson. Al Jefferson just happens to be a player of the Timberwolves, and he is currently on the trading block. Taking Demarcus Cousins would have put the same mold of player back on the roster.

The argument that Demarcus Cousins will be the better pro in 2-3 years is a valid one, and shouldn't go undisclosed. Cousins has perennial all-star potential, as does Wesley Johnson. But because it's harder to establish an all-star center in the NBA, and the fact that Demarcus could end up being a better player, this pick is not a grand slam home run.

Overall grade: 45 (A-)

Luke Babbit (16th overall pick) and Ryan Gomes traded for Martell Webster

Possible selections: Kevin Seraphin, Eric Bledsoe, Avery Bradley, James Anderson

Analysis: When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Luke Babbit, a projected top 10 pick, everyone figured that the Timberwolves were on the right path to success, getting an incredible value pick with Luke Babbit. Because of Luke's ability to shoot the ball well, and possessing above average athleticism, the world thought the Wolves would keep him, but he was immediately traded for Martell Webster.

The #16 pick in the last 5 years. James Johnson, Mareese Speights, Nick Young, Rodney Carney, Joey Graham.

Nothing jumps out at you, but otherwise a very solid group of players, one thing I do notice that none are legit starters in the NBA. However, that is not to justify the trade one bit. Trading Ryan Gomes and Luke Babbit for Martell Webster was a bad trade. While Ryan Gomes is not a starter in the NBA, Luke Babbit could be one day. But the knock on Babbit is a question of his speed and translating his style of play into the NBA.

Still, the value of Ryan Gomes' contract alone appeared that the Wolves could have walked away with a sleeper of a player, seeing that this summer is all about clearing players for cap purposes, Ryan Gomes partially guaranteed contract looked like gold in the eyes of Wolves fans. It was then revealed that the Wolves tried to trade Ryan Gomes for Micheal Beasley, and Miami wouldn't accept, despite really wanting to clear Beasley off the books.

Why?

Well I'm not an NBA analyst, nor did I write Ryan Gomes' contract, but it appears that there was some type of misconception about it, and/or Miami wanted no type of money on their books at all. That helps the grade, but the value of Luke Babbit could have possibly gotten the Wolves a better player if they didn't want him.

While Martell Webster has panned out to be a fine player in the NBA (still has some upside), even a legit starter, the 16th overall pick and Ryan Gomes should have been able to get the Wolves something of better significance, and that is why their grade, simply put sucks on this one.

Overall grade: 31 (D-)

Trevor Booker (23rd overall pick) traded for Lazar Hayward (30th overall pick) and Nemanja Bjelica (35th overall pick).

The Minnesota Timberwolves also possessed the 23rd overall pick.

The #23 pick in the last 5 years: Omri Casspi, Kosta Koufos, Wilson Chandler, Josh Boone, Fransisco Garcia.

Considering that list, the Minnesota Timberwolves deserve kudos for this trade, but deserve some bashing for who they drafted with the picks. Let's start with Lazar Hayward (cool first name).

Lazar Hayward is a hard nosed, confident, hard-working small forward. He can knock down the open 3-point shot, rebound his position, defend multiple positions, in essence, he's Ryan Gomes with more speed, length and athleticism. Possibly could be a very solid role player. This pick could have been much much better, seeing that Lazar could have been had in the late 2nd round.

However, I am extremely pleased that the Wolves drafted Nemanja Bjelica. If you are looking for some upside out of a player, there it is. A 6'10'' point forward who has superior ball handling skills for a player his size, an uncanny court vision and ability to create his own shot. If he pans out, he could be another Lamar Odom, some have gone on to call him the next Tony Kukoc.

Because the Wolves selected 2 players, they deserve 2 separate grades.

Lazar Hayward overall grade: 35 (D+)

Nemanja Bjelica overall grade: 44 (B+)

Overall

Not bad, but definetly could have been better. You have to give the Timberwolves credit, while they completely went off the wall once again, they didn't take on unnecessary cap room, and while they did get younger, they got some rookie maturity with Wesley Johnson and Lazar Hayward, and a veteran player in Martell Webster.

I did these grades based more on value, as I haven't evaluated the full strengths and weaknesses of all the new Timberwolves yet, but there is something to consider here. The Wolves gained a 2-guard (Webster) and two small forwards (Wesley Johnson and Lazar Hayward). The Minnesota Timberwolves have been needing depth at the wings for the longest of time.

Look at their rotation from last season. Corey Brewer, Wayne Ellington, Sasha Pavlovic, Ryan Gomes, Damien Wilkins, and Alando Tucker. Corey Brewer and Wayne Ellington are good players, Ryan Gomes had his moments, but overall, the wing production was horrific, not to mention non athletic and undersized.

It's much different now. Corey Brewer, Wesley Johnson, Lazar Hayward, Wayne Ellington, and Martell Webster is a solid rotaion of 2-guards and small forwards. One thing I noticed about all of these players, is that they are all athletic, can run in transition, dunk with force or catch alley oops, shoot the 3-point shot, and most importantly defend.

Yes, they Wolves lost some assets, but there's one thing that the Wolves have now that they didn't have before, and that's an identity. Now no matter who you put out, no one is an offensive or defensive liability, and in my opinion, they have some depth at the wing positions now.

With shooters spreading the floor and athleticism blooming, it opens up the floor for the likes of Jonny Flynn and Kevin Love.

Well done for that.

FINAL GRADE: 38.75 (C+)

What could make this a B?

• If Luke Babbit pans out to be a role player and Ryan Gomes get's waived.
• If Lazar Hayward is a more athletic and faster Ryan Gomes

Remember, the Minnesota Timberwolves still have the free agency period to go through. If the Wolves can get 2 acquisitions other than Darko Milicic, than the Wolves look in better shape with their offseason grade. I doubt, that they go into the season with simply a C+.