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NBA Mock Draft Predicts Timberwolves Will Pick UConn’s Liam McNeeley

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Couden | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 3:44 PM ET

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to evaluate which prospect they'll add to the roster. Their decision-making also includes consideration of how that roster might change via trades and free agency.

Rumors swirled about Kevin Durant getting traded to the Timberwolves, but those were recently shut down with reports KD wasn't interested in playing for them.

Meanwhile, the team could still make a trade or two. Their young backup guard, Rob Dillingham, center Rudy Gobert, and Donte DiVincenzo were all mentioned as possible trade assets.

The Wolves could also lose roster members via free agency. Naz Reid is one individual mentioned as possibly exploring his options. Julius Randle seems less likely to leave right now.

With the NBA Draft, the Timberwolves hold the No. 17 pick, giving them another trade asset. However, they may opt to keep the pick and gamble on finding a gem for their roster.

According to a recent NBA Mock Draft from SI's Nick Crain, University of Connecticut's Liam McNeeley will be available at No. 17, allowing Minnesota to select him.

McNeeley was a highly-touted five-star recruit who played high school ball alongside Cooper Flagg, among other first-rounders this year. In his freshman campaign at UConn, he averaged 14.5 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

The 6-foot-7 forward was an essential part of UConn's season and postseason, which featured a near-run to the NCAA Final Four under Dan Hurley. He showed a variety of skills on the court, including potential for high-scoring games, with a 38-point outburst in UConn's win against Creighton in February.

While SI's mock draft displayed McNeeley at No. 17, the other predictions for his draft spot differ vastly. A mock draft from Yahoo! Sports' Kevin O'Connor earlier this week suggested McNeeley might go as high as the No. 11 pick for the Portland Trailblazers.

Other drafts show the UConn Huskies star dropping to No. 20 for the Miami Heat or No. 23 where the Boston Celtics could take him.

The 19-year-old ranks as the sixth-best small forward available in the draft, per NBADraft.net. They tout McNeeley as “one of the most polished and dependable offensive wings” in the draft, and a great shooter with deep range.

The knocks against him could be "speed and burst," possibly raising concerns about his future upside. However, NBADraft.net contends McNeeley could provide a solid shooter and long-term floor spacer for a team’s rotation.

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is on Wednesday, June 25 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Other potential picks that the Timberwolves could take at No. 17 include BYU's Egor Denim or Georgia's Asa Newell, who is McNeeley's former high school teammate.

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

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