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2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full lottery impact on the first round

By Rob Wolkenbrod

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum takes the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum takes the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Virginia Tech Nicheil Alexander-Walker (Hickey/Getty Images)
Virginia Tech Nicheil Alexander-Walker (Hickey/Getty Images) /

SG. Virginia Tech. nickeil Walker-Alexander. 11. player. 86.

Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
Slash Line: .474/.374/.778
Season Averages: 16.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.7 3PM

The Minnesota Timberwolves were the first team impacted by the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery’s chaos. They moved from 10th to 11th, which is not a game-changing difference, but falling even by one spot marks a disappointing night for any team.

2018-19 was a rough year for Minnesota. After a promising run to the playoffs, Jimmy Butler kicked and screamed his way out the door. Head coach and team president Tom Thibodeau was also fired midseason. Plus, Andrew Wiggins continued his letdown after showing promise earlier in his career, before signing an extension and declining as a shooter.

So the Timberwolves need backcourt help. A point guard, if anything, with Jeff Teague‘s average play. They also need outside shooting help to offset Wiggins’ struggles, and that’s where Virginia Tech’s Nickeil Walker-Alexander enters the picture.

Maybe Walker-Alexander fits as the point guard. He averaged four assists per game as a sophomore, despite shaky turnover numbers, and if this franchise sees potential in him as the primary ball handler, this could be an under-the-radar move for the new front office — led by former Houston executive Gersson Rosas — to make.

Above-average wingspan trends in the 20 year old’s favor, as well, providing plus potential at the defensive end.

The New York Knicks need backcourt help, but Walker-Alexander is a reach at their current draft positioon in the top three.

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