NBA Mock Draft, pick #28, Minnesota Timberwolves select Rodrigue Beaubois

June 23, 1:19 AMMinneapolis Sports ExaminerKyle McNary

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               Rodrique Beaubois

With their third pick in the first round (6th, 18th and 28th), the Minnesota Timberwolves will have a chance to select Rodrigue Beaubois of France.  But should they?

Upside: Beaubois is a special athlete.  He's 6'-2" (and still growing), with a 6'-10" wingspan, a 38" vertical jump, and is a fine defender.

Downside: Beaubois isn't really a point guard (he doesn't distribute the ball well), and isn't big enough to play off-guard.  He's skinny and lacks the strength to fight through picks, and he has odd shooting mechanics, with a push-shot similar to how a grandpa shoots at a family picnic.

I've heard experts compare him to Tony Parker, but besides the French accent I don't see it.  Size-wise, I'd compare him to former Minnesota Gopher Bobby Jackson, but Jackson was stronger and was a fierce competitor.

The Timberwolves are approaching a monumental fork in the road.  With the firing of Kevin McHale, the Wolves will have a new coach and possibly three rookies on the roster when the season starts, and Minnesota fans are growing tired of the bland style of play that has been seen at the Target Center for the last few seasons.

Don't look for Beaubois to add much to the Wolves for at least a couple years.  If he hits the weight room, develops a consistent jump shot, and gets some fire in his belly, he might contribute down the line.  More likely, he'll ride the pine, and play a few minutes here and there on defense for offense switches at the end of games.

With the new rule in place that stops high school seniors from entering the draft, there's a chance that eight European players will be drafted this year, and Beaubois may be the most athletic of the bunch, but Beaubois is also probably the hardest to analyze due to his lack of size.