26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Allen Crabbe, California (SG)
Age: 21 (Junior)
Height/Weight: 6’6/197
March 23, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Allen Crabbe (23) attempts a shot against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of the third round of the NCAA basketball tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Crabbe’s main strength is his shooting. He has a quick and accurate release that allows him to shoot for distance, even beyond the farther distances of the three- point line in the NBA. If he can get unguarded looks, he hits an amazing number of them (shooting at a 53.8 percent clip on catch-and-shoot opportunities). He has a reliable pull-up jumper at decent range, as well as a good floater.
Crabbe’s length at his position also makes him a reliable defender and moves his feet well.
So, where are his deficiencies?
Ball handling. He puts the ball on the floor with below average skill for a wing player, in addition to conspicuously lacking good passing instinct. He admits, even further, that his aggressiveness could use a boost.
Crabbe is a good defender, but can be going through the motions too often and doesn’t attack the basket with the agression that one would like to see from someone with his skill set.
Besides all that, he should fit well into any system he becomes a part of, since all you have to do is get him open. He could fit really well into a system based on Kevin Love’s shooting and rebounding, along with Ricky Rubio’s distribution.