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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 options for pick No. 7 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Dominique Clare

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) boxes out against Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Marc-Eddy Norelia (25) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) boxes out against Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Marc-Eddy Norelia (25) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donovan Mitchell Minnesota Timberwolves
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville

2017 statistics:  15.6 PPG, 4.9. RPG, 2.7 APG

There are two valuable shooting guards that should be available for the Minnesota Timberwolves to take with the seventh pick of the draft. The second-best fit for the Wolves of the two is the 6’3″ sophomore Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell may seem undersized for the NBA at first glance. That is far from the truth. He has a wingspan of  6’10”, which is seven inches more than his height. In addition, he has a good muscular build at 211 pounds, which helps him compensate for what he lacks in height. Mitchell is an explosive athlete, posting a combine high 36 1/2″ no-step vertical. This would add to an already athletic Timberwolves roster.

Mitchell has a skill that the Timberwolves desperate need. He has the ability to make shots from all over the basketball court.

Last season, he shot 40 percent from the field and 35 percent from three. He plays the most effective when he can move without the ball in his hands. Having a teammate like Ricky Rubio would make Donovan Mitchell effective in the NBA immediately.

Here is what NBA.com has to say about Donovan Mitchell:

"“Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell is one of the best pure athletes in the draft. He’s fast up-and-down the court, has a quick first step and is arguably the best leaper of any prospect. His 36.5-inch no step vertical leap was the highest of any player at the NBA Combine. His max vertical of 40.5 inches tied for fifth-best at the combine. And he’s got a gargantuan wingspan of 6-10, which helped him lead the ACC in steals. “Mitchell was First Team All-ACC and named to the conference’s All Defensive team in what was a very productive season. He is a combo guard who has the ability to really light up the scoreboard – he had nine 20-point games. But he did trail off in March, putting three single-digit scoring efforts on the board in his final five games.”"

This is one of the last options for the Minnesota Timberwolves with the seventh overall pick. With that being said, he is an NBA-ready player that in the right system has a lot of potential. Donovan Mitchell can help the Timberwolves improve right away off the bench.

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