2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba

In a smart piece analyzing veteran Jamal Crawford’s decision to opt out of the second year of his contract with the Timberwolves, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic wrote that for the most part, Crawford was a negative for Minnesota. Yet for all the commotion about coach Tom Thibodeau’s aversion to giving heavy minutes to bench players, Krawczynski also points out how much the team valued Crawford’s leadership despite his shortened stints on the court. If Thibodeau continues to search for instant impact offensive players to replace Crawford (and Aaron Brooks), perhaps a younger option fits his expectations better. That’s where Walker comes in.

Walker is a very similar player to Crawford, someone who can play on or off the ball, provides some spacing and play-making upside, and can start or come off the bench. While one would hope Walker becomes a better defender than Crawford based on his length and bounce, it’s tough to guess from his one season at Miami whether that happens. On a Thibodeau team, Walker probably doesn’t play enough to have an impact on defense anyway — just ask Tyus Jones.

Summing up Crawford’s time in Minneapolis, Krawczynski wrote, “In the end, the Wolves signed Crawford to hit some shots and bring some leadership to the locker room. He accomplished both of those things in his first season in Minnesota, and now it’s time for the Timberwolves to go looking for a different kind of contributor as they try to build on last year’s success.”

Walker can be that different kind of contributor, younger and therefore likely happier with fewer minutes, and with more upside to rev the offense into gear when he gets the chance.