NBA Mock Draft 2013: Predicting the First 10 Picks

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA (SF)

Age: 20 (Freshman)

Height/Weight: 6’6″/222 lbs.

May 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Shabazz Muhammad is interviewed during the NBA Draft combine at Harrison Street Athletics Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Muhammad had an interesting year. Issues with his eligibility and age made his first year…exciting. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t play well at the NBA level even despite the fact that he’s pretty undersized for the small forward spot on a pro squad.

He’s a pure scorer, simple as that. He looks for shots and pressures defenses constantly, averaging 22 points per 40 minutes adjusted for pace. He generates most of his offense off the glass by posting up or by spotting up, showing a preference away from isolations and pick-and-roll plays. And these are things he does quite well.

However, he can be very predictable, showing little to no willingness to finish on his weak side (he is left-handed). He’s also one of the est wing offensive rebounders in the NCAA and displays an uncommon preference and skill in post play.

However, he isn’t a high-energy defensive player, as well as a weak transition defender, almost “cherry picking”. He could make a big impact on this Minnesota team, though. Stick a scorer like him in a lineup next to Kevin Love and a facilitator like Ricky Rubio, and he suddenly has a lot more upside, especially if he can tune up his defensive skill.