With two picks in the second round of tomorrow night’s NBA draft, perhaps the Timberwolves could use one of the choices on a player Gopher coach Tubby Smith compares to hall of famer Joe Dumars, the former Detroit guard and now the team’s general manager. On Monday, Smith praised Joe Crawford, a 6-5 shooting guard he coached for three seasons at Kentucky.
Sports Illustrated in its June 23 issue included Crawford among four players a scout said are “good second round value” picks. That prediction receives no argument from Smith who expects the former Detroit prep star to be drafted on Thursday night and earn a place on an NBA roster.
“He’s a guy that can get his own shot,” Smith said. “He’s a guy that can put the ball on the floor. Create. He’s an excellent defender, and he’s a very physically gifted strong athlete.
“I love the way he plays under control. I used to call him…you’re another Joe Dumars. So that’s who I compare him to.”
At Kentucky, Crawford averaged 17.9 points per game last season as a senior, a career best. He averaged 14 points as a junior.
The Wolves have the No. 31 and 34 picks in the second round. It won’t be surprising to see basketball boss Kevin McHale take a center-power forward with one of the picks. In need of size, the Wolves might be lucky enough to use one of the second round picks on Robin Lopez, the twin brother of Brook Lopez, the sophomore 7-footers from Stanford. Robin is certain to be drafted, although he’s not considered as valuable as Brook.
Here’s a guess that it’s at least 50-50 the Wolves will trade their No. 3 pick in the first round. Although they’re more likely to trade down in the draft, perhaps they could even move up by working a deal involving draft choices and players with Miami, the team picking No. 2.
Staying at No. 3 probably means taking USC mega-talent O.J. Mayo, a player who might be used at both point and shooting guard. Don’t be sure, though, that Mayo will be available. The Wolves might have to decide between taking Kansas State forward Michael Beasley, UCLA forward Kevn Love, or trading the No. 3 pick.