2017 NBA Mock Draft: Josh Jackson to the Lakers

5. player. 86. There have been heavy expectations heaped upon the shoulders of the Minnesota Timberwolves for this upcoming season. The excitement stems from a unique merger of impressive young talent looking to break out and one of the offseason’s most sought after head coaching hires. For various reasons — namely that the Wolves failed to make a big impact free agent signing — they’re still project to finish with a lottery pick in 2017. <p>Duke’s Jayson Tatum would add another talented young wing to Minnesota’s core to play alongside Andrew Wiggins going forward. Tatum’s habit of settling for mid-range jumpers would have been perfect under former head coach Sam Mitchell, but the 6-foot-8 swingman has the three-point range he needs to establish himself as a credible scorer in the modern NBA. Adding Tatum to the mix would give the Timberwolves three players who could potentially start offensive possessions with the ball in their hands.</p> <p>Minnesota would also be betting on head coach Tom Thibodeau getting the best out of Tatum on the defensive end where he has the length (6-foot-11 wingspan) to guard both wing positions. The 18-year old may need more prodding on that end of the floor as his effort has a tendency to wane and Duke has not developed staunch defenders as of late. Still, Tatum is a nice combination for the Wolves here as both the best player on the board and a good fit with the current roster. </p>. SG/SF. Duke. Jayson Tatum