2010 Mock Draft Lottery Pick #4

Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson

Bio:
Birthday: 7/11/87
NBA Position: Small Forward
Class: Junior, Syracuse University
Ht: 6'7"; Wt: 206 lbs
Hometown: Corsicana, TX

NBA Comparison: Tracy McGrady without the ballhandling abilities but better defense and rebounding.

Strengths:
- Has all the tools, and fits the mold of the classic athletic small forward.
- Quick when maneuvering in the lane.
- At 6'7, he has a huge wingspan (easily over 7' feet), and tremendous leaping abilities which allow him to rise above traffic around the rim.
- He has a smooth and fluid motion on his jump shot, and gets nice elevation.
- Has a strong mid-range game that will only get better.
- Arguably the best shooter in the draft.
- Can shoot spot up from anywhere, but seems to excel at shooting off one dribble after using his quick first step to create space between him and his defender.
- He also uses an effective jab step to create separation and get off his shot, a must-have tool for a scoring small forward in the NBA.
- Has deep range with a high and quick release, and his consistency will only improve.
- He shoots 50% from the field overall, and does not need 20 plus shots to be effective.
- Extremely unselfish, the offense rarely becomes stagnant when the ball is in his hands.
- An underrated passer showing excellent vision and passing skills for a 3.
- He moves extremely well off the ball, and does a great job of getting himself open off back screens.
- Can run the floor and finish effectively in transition.
- His quickness, awareness and long wingspan come into play defensively as well, as he is a terrific off-ball and help defender.
- Can quickly move from the weak-side to ball-side, and used those long arms and high leaping abilities for 2 blocks per game.
- He's athletic and long enough to play effective on-ball defense at the next level.
- His wingspan and leaping abilities also make him an excellent rebounder, and his persistent nature and good nose for the ball make him a good offensive rebounder.
- One of the more NBA ready players in the draft.
- Has an infectous smile that is always on display during games; should be a fan favourite for his personality as well as his game.

Weaknesses:
- Sometimes settles or relies too much on his jump shot, and when it's not on, he becomes invisible for long stretches throughout the game.
- Needs to bulk up; when guarded by stronger defenders, he tends to pull back for tougher jump shots as opposed to taking it strong to the hoop and drawing the foul.
- Attempts less than 4 free throws per game (too low).
- Tries to get out of slumps by shooting jumpers instead of attacking the basket.
- Does not have much of a back-to-the-basket game yet, but his skills, high release and length give him a shot to develop a post game over time.
- Has trouble creating off the dribble, most of his opportunities come after one dribble or a catch and shoot.
- Not much of a playmaker, his ball handling skills are average, and he tends to throw the ball away too often.
- He's 23 years old, so his upside and potential might be little low for some GM's in comparison to younger players.

Consensus: Will most definitely be a SF in the NBA. At 23 years old already, he should be more mature and NBA ready than most players entering the draft. The big question with Wes is whether or not his inability to create will prevent him from being a consistent scorer in the pros, he has to develop some dribble moves. However his defense and rebounding skills should translate well to the NBA.

Minny's other options: Trade the pick (a possibility but probably not going to happen); Draft DeMarcus Cousins (possible, if they are willing to depart with either Kevin Love or Al Jefferson) or draft Al-Farouq Aminu (not likely) or Xavier Henry, Greg Monroe or Patrick Patterson (all longshots)

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*NOTE: there have been rumblings that the Sixers are very high on Derrick Favors and he has moved up as the 2nd pick in many mock drafts and then if New Jersey took either DeMarcus Cousins or Wesley Johnson both of whom the Nets like, Evan Turner could fall to the T-Wolves and they absolutely love Turner, but I doubt this is going to happen as Wall, Turner and Favors are locks for the top 3 picks in any order you want to put them in.