Former Gophers basketball coach Jim Dutcher watches hundreds of college games each year and he was asked about several players who will be headline makers in tonight’s NBA draft, including 7-3 Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet. It’s a draft deep in point guards, a Timberwolves’ need, but it’s possible Thabeet, the best center prospect, could be available when Minnesota uses its fifth or sixth picks in the first round.
“If Thabeet falls to five I would take him,” Dutcher said. “You can pressure more on the perimeter with him back there to block shots.”
Thabeet has only been playing basketball for about seven years, is a project offensively and has a so-so reputation for intensity, but his shot blocking and rebounding are probably unique among prospects in this draft. He fills a need for the Timberwolves who have used power forwards Al Jefferson and Kevin Love at center.
Dutcher’s view on point guards in this draft will surprise people. He likes national champion North Carolina’s Ty Lawson, describing him as a “true point guard” for his many skills.
Among guards, Lawson’s name is usually mentioned after Spain’s Ricky Rubio, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans, Italy’s Brandon Jennings, UCLA’s Jrue Holiday, Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn, Davidson’s Stephen Curry, Duke’s Gerald Henderson and others. “Of those guys, if it was me, I would take Ty Lawson,” Dutcher said. “…I like guys who come out of good programs.”
Among the qualities Dutcher admires about Lawson is his ability to involve teammates in the offense and not turn the ball over. Regarding the best player available in the draft, Dutcher agrees with just about everyone that it’s Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin.