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NBA Mock Draft Predicts Timberwolves Pick Versatile BYU Player
David Banks-Imagn Images

With the Minnesota Timberwolves unable to reach the NBA Finals the past two seasons, the team is continuing to build around star player Anthony Edwards. For the 2025-26 season, they could add several important components to the roster.

The Kevin Durant trade speculation fizzled out for Minnesota, and the two-time champion was traded to the Houston Rockets. There are still significant moves the Timberwolves could make through free agency, trades, and the 2025 NBA Draft.

At last year's draft, they were able to trade with the San Antonio Spurs for their No. 8 pick, Rob Dillingham, now a backup guard on the roster. The Wolves also selected Terrence Shannon Jr. in the second round. 

Many people believe the frontcourt is the main consideration when it comes to who they'll draft this year. This is due to the discussion of players Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nikeil Alexander-Walker, and whether they'll remain part of the roster.

However, a new mock NBA Draft suggests that the Timberwolves should select BYU's Ego Denim with their pick. The Russian guard and forward played at BYU and is listed as 6-foot-9.

In his one season with BYU, Denim averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He also landed on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team in 2025.

His shooting percentages, particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc, need improvement, but the 19-year-old’s versatility could be a major asset in Minnesota.

According to Adam Finkelstein on CBS Sports HQ, Denim is "the best passer" available from this year's class. He contends that the Wolves need a "connector" for their offense and suggests Denim could fit in well on the court with two guards.

"I think he could be terrific as a facilitator, a ball mover, alongside those potent scores Minnesota has in their backcourt," Finkelstein said.

He also indicated that a "curveball pick" like this, rather than a frontcourt player, could help to build out the versatility of Minnesota's roster.

An NBADraft.net scouting report compared Denim’s skillset to the NBA’s Josh Giddey, noting he has “rare vision and passing” skills. In addition, they praised his combination of “speed, quickness, deception, and balance. However, they mention his below-average outside shooting and lack of consistency at BYU.

The 2025 NBA Draft remains unclear after the first few picks. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the consensus No. 1 pick, but then things will get interesting. For example, Fox Sports has Denim going as high as the No. 8 pick.

The BYU freshman is one of several guards or wing players that have been linked to the Timberwolves in various mock drafts.

Other guards the Timberwolves could opt for might include Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis, Colorado State’s Nique Clifford, and Michigan State’s Jase Richardson.

There is also speculation from outlets including Yahoo! Sports that the Wolves could select Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. after his four seasons in college resulted in a championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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