Timberwolves Mock Draft 2009

[_AIJ_]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden (7) - Thabeet (1)

[stop-n-pop]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden (7) - Thabeet (1) - Greg Monroe (1)

[jpatrick]

Tough call because I don't love the fit on this team of any of Harden, Thabeet or Monroe. I completely agree with Rev that we need a true PG, athletic SF who can score, and a defensive 7 footer to take Cookie's minutes. Thabeet fits the bill for the latter but an early lotto pick on someone to come off the bench? In the end I'm going Monroe because I think he's the most talented guy.

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden (7) - Thabeet (1) - Greg Monroe (2)

[collin_k41]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden (8) - Thabeet (1) - Greg Monroe (2)

[PeeDee]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden (9) - Thabeet (1) - Greg Monroe (2)

[kandiking]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden (10) - Thabeet (1) - Greg Monroe (2) Thabeet at 3 is ridonkulous

[big3_8_19_21]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (1)

[AQuintus]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (1),Holiday(1)

[hijacktheparade]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (1), Holiday (2)

[stop-n-pop]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (2), Holiday (2)

[wildvikeswolves]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (2), Holiday (3)

[mchalupnik2]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (2), Holiday (2), brandon jennings (1)

[Baphomet]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (2), Holiday (4), Brandon Jennings (1)

[deeney0]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (2), Holiday (5), Brandon Jennings (1)

[revprodeji]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (2), Holiday (6), Brandon Jennings (1)

Some people I have spoke to thought that during his senior year in HS Monroe might be able to translate as a pro SF. I am not sure about that, but if that potential would be there I would have to consider him. Honestly, Monroe is the biggest boom-bust in the top 5. He could translate into a 3/4 Josh Smith/Chris Bosh type but the problem is he is not as athletic as you would like and part of me feels he sleeps away moments of the game. He has gained a bit of weight since last year and that has harmed his explosion bad. Maybe a Kurt-Thomas if he does not live up to his potential.

Honestly, unless we translate Monroe as a 3/4 or as a legit 5 we should not draft him. I hate to invoke "kg" into the title. But the 3/4 defensive pass-focused prospect should make any wolves fan happy. In high school some people said he could be a bigger Boris Diaw. As a 3 prospect it could be an option.

Here is what I mean, check out this youtube video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkobJjBaLig

Those are SF tools.

[revprodeji]

Ok, more on Monroe,

I have heard "Odom" in the name also, even Al Harrington (*more passing, less scoring) like Evans we would be drafting him as a project that could not provide much at all for at least 2 years.

Here is the DX s/w...notice the intense toolbox.

STRENGTHS:

- Ability to get to free throw line
- Craftiness
- Decision making
- Excellent skill-level
- Executes offensively
- Mismatch Potential
- Pick and roll play
- Versatility
- Ability to create own shot
- Ability to face the basket
- Excellent hands
- Excellent Touch
- Finesse
- Left hand
- Turnaround jumper
- Ability to get in passing lanes
- Defensive awareness
- Shot-blocking skills
- Basketball IQ
- Coachable
- Role-player potential
- Unselfishness
- Basketball instincts
- Left-handed
- Young for class
- Court vision
- Coordination
- Fluidity
- Mobility
- Solid frame
- 3-point range
- Ability to catch and shoot

WEAKNESSES:

- Go-to scoring mentality
- Turnover prone
- Ball-handling skills w/either hand
- Back to basket scoring
- Activity level
- Defensive Post Presence
- Man to man defense
- Aggressiveness
- Assertiveness
- Avoids contact
- Consistency
- Doesn't always play hard
- Leadership skills
- Mental/Physical toughness?
- College system makes him difficult to evaluate
- High-level productivity
- Ability to finish w/either hand
- Average athleticism
- Defensive rebounding
- Ability to shoot off the dribble

Lets just hope we have done our hmwk on this guy.

[deeney0]

He's another 4. Unless you're trading Al or Love, that's where the analysis stops. He's. Another. Power. Forward. KG, Odom, Harrington, Josh Smith - those are all players who should be playing the majority of their time at 4, too.

[revprodeji]

What was KG drafted as and played at for his first couple years? What did Odom play at when he was at his best? Where would Josh Smith play his best? (SF)

What I am saying is that Monroe could potentially have SF tools. If we scout that in him then he should be a prospect we consider. If he projects as only a 4 then he is off our board.

Deeney, are you saying that he has no hope as a 3?

[Krapinsky]

DX compares Monroe to Gasol and lists him as a 4/5. I think that's more accurate. He may be versatile but can he run around on the perimeter and guard other SF's? I don't think so. He also lacks range on the offensive end. Quite frankly, I don't see it. That said, I think the drop from Monroe to Holiday is a big one. I would have to take Monroe in this case and worry about trades later.

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (3), Holiday (6), Brandon Jennings (1

[jpatrick]

1. Ricky Rubio
2. Blake Griffin
3. James Harden
4. Greg Monroe (4), Holiday (6), Brandon Jennings (1)

Monroe is much more a 4/5 I think. I see him as a less athletic but stronger Bosh. He has a great feel for the game, but he's way too content to let the game come to him as opposed to taking over. His skill set for a big guy is pretty incredible though.