The 2010 SB Nation NBA Mock Draft is still underway, with each SB Nation blogger making selections for their respective teams. Stop-n-Pop, co-manager at SB Nation's Minnesota Timberwolves blog Canis Hoopus, checks in to make the fourth overall selection in this year's mock.
With the fourth overall pick in the 2010 SB Nation NBA Mock Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves have selected DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky Wildcats.
Stop-N-Pop explains: Well folks, this is going to be a litmus test for what the fans and David Kahn feel about the direction of the franchise. The clear BPA is Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins. The clear non-attitude-risk pick is Syracuse forward Wes Johnson. The Wolves appear to be in love with Johnson's skill set as something of a souped-up Corey Brewer and there is no denying that he would be a wonderful fit for a team looking to run the ball and get out in transition. He also is exactly the type of player that would look nice next to a point guard who can push the ball and orchestrate a symphony of a 1/2 court offense...say, Ricky Rubio. They also appear to be shying away from the perceived baggage of DeMarcus Cousins. Currently, Cousins' agent is refusing to send his client to Minnesota for a workout because he believes that the Wolves have their mind made up about Johnson. The team has made it quite clear that they have not yet made up their minds about their draft board (and I believe them on this point) and that things could change between now and the draft (i.e. Kevin Love or Al Jefferson could get moved). I think Cousins' agent is doing his client a tremendous disservice by not showcasing his guy before a team with 3 picks in the first round, some overseas assets, and some valuable non-rookie-slotted 2nd round picks.
At the end of the day, 15-win teams cannot be picky about fit and there is no reason on God's green earth that the Wolves should pass on a talent like Cousins. Forget the attitude talk. The guy has legit upper-level center size to go along with some of the best big-man frosh numbers put up in the last decade of college ball. You can't pass that up no matter how loopy the kid may be, especially when you consider that he could be traded down for the guy they really want.
Sooooooo...with the 4th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft the Minnesota Timberwolves select DeMarcus Cousins.
FWIW, I think the Wolves are creating a smokescreen with their supposed lust of Evan Turner and will end up figuring out a way to get both the 3rd and 4th picks, which they will use on Derrick Favors and Wes Johnson. I also think that if this scenario does not play out, no matter who the team takes at 4 will be flipped for Wes Johnson. David Kahn is all-in on Ricky Rubio and any decision he and the club makes should be viewed through that prism. Long athletic guys who can rebound, defend, and play well above the rim. That's where this team is headed. That's why you heard rumors about Anthony Randolph.
Ridiculous Upside reacts: I like that Stop-N-Pop did what I thought the Timberwolves should do. While it might not have been the sexy pick, in the end - this should be the pick. For that, I applaud Canis Hoopus. I probably won't be applauding David Kahn (KAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNNN) on draft night, but that's still a week away.
Kentucky blog weighs in: A Sea Of Blue author BigSkyCat defended Cousins quite well in the comments yesterday, and because I love comments, I'm going to link to that (plus we'll be linking to A Sea Of Blue a few more times before this process is finished).
Ridiculous Upside's Top 5 remaining prospects: 1 - Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse. 2 - Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest. 3 - Greg Monroe, PF/C, Georgetown. 4 - Patrick Patterson PF, Kentucky. 5 - Luke Babbitt, F, Nevada.
Sound off, SB Nation! What say you of the Cousins-to-Minnesota pick?
And please, remember to check out Canis Hoopus for everything you need to know about the Wolves.
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