NBA Mock Draft Sees Timberwolves Pick Forward Who Compared Himself to Chris Bosh

That's where signings, trades, and holding the No. 17 pick will make a difference. There have been several college players mentioned in mock drafts as the ideal choice for Minnesota, and most are to help in the frontcourt.

That includes Georgia Bulldogs star Asa Newell, a 6-foot-9 forward who previously teamed up in high school with other talented young stars. They included projected first-round picks Cooper Flagg from Duke and Liam McNeely from UConn.

Flagg is considered the first overall pick, and McNeely could go anywhere below the top 13. Newell's selection spot seems similar, but his name has surfaced in several NBA mock drafts at No. 17 to the Wolves. 

In a recent SI mock draft, Aldan Goldsher wrote that he'd be a great athletic wing for Minnesota as they "navigate roster changes" and build around Edwards.

While on The Sideline with Andy Katz, Newell spoke about bringing his valuable skills to the league.

"I play extremely hard. I'm a floor spacer. Can guard and switch onto multiple positions, and I can rebound the ball," he told Katz.

When Katz asked who he'd compare himself to from the NBA, Newell didn't hesitate to name Chris Bosh. The former Georgia Tech star was selected No. 4 in the 2003 NBA Draft, a loaded class that also included future superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

"He's an extremely versatile player. He can pick and pop. He can drive. He can crash and get rebounds and that's something that I've been studying as well," Newell told Katz about the NBA star.

Bosh, a two-time NBA Champion with the Miami Heat, spent 13 years in the league, averaging 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and two assists a game. 

In the past few weeks, Randle and Gobert were mentioned as potential Timberwolves players who might get traded for Kevin Durant.

With KD recently stating he didn't have a desire to play for Minnesota, that trade may or may not happen, but other trades could. Adding help in the frontcourt seems to be what most mock drafts suggest the Wolves will do.

At 6-foot-11, the 19-year-old Newell, 19 seems like a potential backup forward and center who the Timberwolves could implement into their roster.

In 33 games with Georgia, he averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, a steal, and a block per game to help the Bulldogs reach the NCAA Tournament.

In addition to Newell, other big men that mock drafts predict could go No. 17 to the Timberwolves include Georgetown's Thomas Sorber and BYU's Egor Denim.