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NBA Draft: 5 Late-Round Prospects The Timberwolves Should Target

By Aaron Mah

Oct 10, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders talks with owner Glen Taylor prior to the second half of the game with the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center. The Timberwolves win 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders talks with owner Glen Taylor prior to the second half of the game with the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center. The Timberwolves win 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) dribbles the ball up the court against the Loyola (Md) Greyhounds during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Loyola 70-37. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) dribbles the ball up the court against the Loyola (Md) Greyhounds during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse defeated Loyola 70-37. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris McCullough, F, Syracuse

Physicals

Height (in shoes): 6’9″   Weight: 199 pounds   Wingspan: 7’3.25″   Standing Reach: 9’1″

Experience

Age: 20   Class: Freshman

Draft Projections

DraftExpress: #29   NBADraft.net: #28

Potential Fit

The lanky Syracuse forward was widely regarded as a surefire lottery pick early on during the college season before tearing his ACL in mid-January.

While he will not be available for workouts prior to the 2015 NBA Draft, Chris McCullough provides plenty of upside for the young Timberpups.

If he reaches his full potential, the Wolves will be receiving the services of a quintessential 21st century stretch 4. In particular, McCullough is blessed with great length for the power forward position. Even though he only measured out to be 6’9″ in shoes, the former Syracuse Orangeman is equipped with a gargantuan 7’3.25″ wingspan and an equally as impressive 9’1″ standing reach.

Looking down the line, a 2-3-4 combination of Wiggins, Muhammad, and McCullough could cause an abundance of matchup problems for the opponent. And if you sprinkle in LaVine and Towns, Minnesota could potentially surround their two post-up wings with three ultra-athletic, slashing spot-up shooters.

While his shot remains inconsistent, McCullough has a textbook high and efficient release. In addition, although he is not the most skilled offensive player, his length and quickness allows him to pick his spots and attack the rim when straight-line driving opportunities presents itself.

The gangly forward also utilizes his physical gifts on the offensive glass, leveraging his quick first-and-second jumping ability, along with his inherent basketball instincts, to crash the offensive glass.

Defensively, he has the physical profile and defensive intuition to defend upwards of three positions (two-through-four) in the NBA.  He moves extremely well for a player of his stature, and has great help instincts, especially when it comes to cutting off the passing lanes and/or delivering a weakside block.

In fact, McCullough averaged over 2.4 steals and 2.9 blocks per 40 minutes this past season — figures that are comparable to Nerlens Noel during his lone season in Lexington, Ky.

However, he remains, perhaps, the biggest boom or bust pick in the draft. He has all the raw physical tools to become the modern day, jack-of-all trades forward; but his frail frame, shaky fundamentals, poor floor game, and injury history serve as major red flags.

With that being said, if the Wolves move into the late first round, with their current roster makeup in mind, Minnesota can afford to patiently develop and hone McCullough alongside their other handful of high ceiling players.

Next: Terry Rozier

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