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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) drives to the basket during the second half against the New Mexico State Aggies in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) drives to the basket during the second half against the New Mexico State Aggies in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Johnathan Motley

PF/C, Baylor

Draft status: In with an agent

The Utah Jazz have a second first round pick to work with here as a result of a 2013 trade with the Golden State Warriors to clear room for Andre Iguodala. With it, Utah is able to snatch up Baylor’s Johnathan Motley as a potential back up big man who could help the team deal with some of its upcoming contract crunch. Motley is reportedly recovering from an MCL injury, but he has a lot of qualities that teams are looking for in modern bigs.

Motley averaged 22.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per 40 minutes as a junior. His offensive game is strong in the post and he can create his own offense either on post ups or with energy on the offensive boards. Motley’s passing is an underrated skill that can help facilitate offensive chances as well.

Defensively, Motley is undersized in terms of height for the center spot at 6-foot-10, but his 7-foot-4 wingspan and athleticism helps make up for it. He averaged 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes during his career in Waco and could provide some nice secondary rim protection off the bench. Motley may never be a starter in the league, but his skill set is well-suited to being a high impact piece off the bench as a small ball center.