The 5th pick belongs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Their
GM is:

  Kevin Galbraith

He used the 5th pick to select:

  John Wallace,, SF, 6'8", Syracuse  

==========================================================================
Wolves 1995-96 season and team evaluation:
------------------------------------------

The Timberwolves posted their 2nd best record since entering the league, 
falling just short of the 30-win plateau that was set as a goal midway 
through the season. They showed marked improvements in almost every 
statistical category, but more importantly, they began to gel as a team, 
and finally have some talent worth building around. It's a foreign feeling 
to Minnesotans, who can now look at the starting foursome of Kevin 
Garnett, Tom Gugliotta, Andrew Lang, and J.R. Rider and feel some 
confidence that these guys are bona fide NBA players.

The Wolves upped their FG% to 46 and improved their average margin from 
103-94 ('94-95) to 103-98, a stat that was reflected in the consistently 
competitive games throughout the season. While they only occasionally 
showed the ability to finish off an opponent at crunch time, they did show 
more poise overall -- interesting enough, led by 19-year-old Kevin 
Garnett, the 5th selection in the previous draft.

They continued as one of the best FT shooting teams, again clocking in at 
77%. They also improved their rebounding and shotblocking by large 
margins, and showed potential that was both hope-inspiring and maddening 
to fans. They were capable of rousing victories over teams like San 
Antonio, Houston, Detroit, Indiana, and Miami, only to follow them up with 
losses to the Clippers, Golden State, and even Vancouver. Still, overall 
there is a sense of great opportunity surrounding the team's '96-97 
fortunes, hoping to make a big jump in the win column like the Pistons did 
last year.

Minnesota's two biggest weaknesses were clearly the lack of a real 
NBA-quality point guard and 3-pt shooting. They went with a 4-headed PG 
much of the year (Webb, Porter, Allen, Martin), and it worked reasonably 
well, considering none of the 4 is a NBA starter at this point in his 
career. Turnovers were the most glaring result of this weakness, 
committing 77 more than their opponents. Finding a PG is job #1 this 
offseason, and if they do so, it should facilitate the single biggest move 
toward respectability in the team's history.

The Wolves again struggled mightily from beyond the arc, even with J.R. 
Rider posting a career-high 37% from downtown. They were outshot 38% to 
33% and made only 229 compared to 530 for their opponents. When and if 
they pick up a legitimate 3-pt threat, they will simultaneously improve 
both the perimter and interior aspects of their game, allowing the front 
court players the freedom from constant double teams, traps, and lane 
congestion that's always going to be there as long as there is a lack of 
reliable perimeter shooting.

Minnesota finds itself in an intriguing spot this offseason. They are no 
longer so talent-poor that they need to go for the "best available player" 
in the draft. They can really pick to fill a need (PG) and since they pick 
5th, they're in a decent position, since at best Stephon Marbury, and at 
worst Steve Nash will be around at their draft slot. Being an optimist, I 
can see how the Wolves could win 35-40 games next season if just a couple 
of pieces fall into place: a good PG, a real outside threat, and possibly 
the emergence of Davis or Bragg as a legitimate banger. Either way, the 
future finally looks bright for this beleaguered franchise.

Individual player analysis:
---------------------------

* Terry Porter: a good veteran PG/SG. Solid floor leader, best used at 
around 20 minutes per game. Can hit the 3 at crunch time and distributes 
the ball well, but age has slowed him and hurts him defensively at times, 
although his solid footwork helps him content with younger, faster 
opponents. Can be a good role model for a young PG, and provides much 
needed leadership in the locker room.

* Spud Webb: veteran PG acquired from Atlanta in Lang/Laettner/Rooks 
trade. Provided some spark for the Wolves in the second half of the 
season, but will most likely be allowed to leave via free agency in the 
offseason.

* Jerome Allen: rookie PG from Penn. Good size (6-4) makes him a player 
worth taking a second look at. Got off to a shaky start early in the 
season, and saw limited playing time for the remainder, but played well in 
garbage time late in the season. With more work on his perimeter game and 
decision-making, his confidence should increase. He's capable of becoming 
a solid role player.

* Darrick Martin: PG re-acquired from Vancouver for a 2nd round pick after 
being cut in the preseason by ex-coach Bill Blair. Just completed his 
first full season in the NBA. The Wolves will live to regret this 
re-acquistion, especially in this yr's deep draft, since he was 
inconsistent at best. Speed and enthusiasm are his strengths, but poor 
distribution skills make him a likely candidate for free agency departure. 
Too young to tell if he'll mature into a NBA-quality PG, but right now the 
Wolves simply have too many PGs, and at least 2 need to go.

* J.R. Rider: SG in his 3rd year out of UNLV, Rider again scored well, and 
showed encouraging signs on the defensive end -- coming off picks better 
and challenging more shots than in previous years. Rider is a vastly 
talented player with a flair for the acrobatic, and if he becomes more 
consistent, could join the elite of SGs. His shot selection is shaky at 
times, contributing to his relatively low FG% (46) and forcing teammates 
to stand around at times. If Rider's attitude continues to improve, and he 
regains some of his college career's prowess in rebounding, he may 
continue on as a key member of the Wolves -- otherwise, a trade is always 
a possibility with J.R. Attitude on and off the court is occasionally less 
than ideal, but he seems happier on the whole with McHale/Saunders and 
teammates, forging a strong chemistry with Kevin Garnett.

* Mark Davis: SG/SF rookie from Texas Tech, this extremely athletic player 
showed flashes of brilliance on both ends of the floor, blocking shots, 
diving for loose balls, and slashing to the hoop for thunderous jams. 
Often, though, his enthusiasm spill over into careless play, leading to 
turnovers and needless fouls. When his head catches up to his body, Davis 
will become an ideal bench player for MN, especially if he improves his 
perimeter game and shot selection. Slashing swingman fully capable of 
replacing Doug West.

* Doug West: The original Wolf is evolving as a defensive specialist. He 
seems to have lost all confidence in his jumper and had a rough season. 
Still gives 100%, but his limited contributions and fat contract make him 
a likely candidate for an offseason trade, perhaps to free up cap $.

* Tom Gugliotta: Excellent young PF who has solid fundamentals, speed, 
great hands, and a nice touch from the perimeter. He was the clear choice 
when it became clear he and Laettner were redundant. He runs the floor 
well and passes like a guard, often finding open cutters on the interior. 
Has continued to improve defensively, improving his blocks from 35 to 96 
since his rookie season, and the only real problem he has on defense 
arises when he fails to stay at home, going for a difficult steal instead 
of just keeping a body on his opponent. Overall, one of the best Wolves, 
and honestly, one of the best young all-around PFs in the NBA.

* Kevin Garnett: rookie SF surprised the entire league and delighted 
Wolves fans with rapid maturity and infectious enthusiasm. His obvious 
love for the game boosted his teammates and it soon became evident that 
this 19 yr old was the emotional leader of the team. His height (now 7') 
belies just how complete a player he will become. Already runs very well, 
passes like a veteran, handles the ball, and rebounds with flair and 
consistency. Also, he's a uniquely talented leaper and shotblocker, once 
rising near the top of the glass to block a Rik Smits shot in the closing 
seconds of perhaps the Wolves' best win of the season vs. Indiana. Has a 
nice perimeter touch, good shot selection, and a very strong inside game 
which will only improve w/ increased bulk. Simply put: the franchise.

* Andrew Lang: veteran C acquired for Laettner at midseason, Lang is 
primarily a shotblocker and a banger -- very adept at both. Has shown 
development on offense, but his slow footspeed limits him to 10-12 points 
per game. A streaky shooter, he is just as likely to show a feathery touch 
on his either-handed hook as he is to throw up an airball. He compensates 
by setting brick wall-like screens for his teammates. Has expressed 
dissatisfaction with being in MN, but the Wolves are unlikely to trade him 
unless a great deal presents itself. Dubbed "The Punisher" by Garnett.

* Marques Bragg: former CBA MVP, he has good basketball instincts and 
solid scoring ability. Virtually all of his opportunities came during 
garbage time this yr, so it's very hard to tell how he will progress. Has 
good speed and rebounding abilities, and could become a banger off the 
bench (in the 7th or 8th spot) with hard work.

* Eric Riley: a 3rd yr backup C from Michigan, Riley is a hardworking 
7-footer who saw limited action this yr. He is a player to be patient with 
if there is a roster spot open. Like most big men, it will take a while to 
see how good he can become. Shows promise and determination on both ends, 
and unless the Wolves behave as they did with Luc Longley and Felton 
Spencer, Riley should be the backup C for a couple more yrs.

* Sam Mitchell: Roleplaying F/C, Sam shows flashes of offensive 
brilliance, is a solid defender, and might be considered the glue of the 
team. He mentored Garnett, contributed well off the bench -- even leading 
the team in scoring on a number of occasions -- and provided a calming 
influence on a very young team. Plays his heart out, and will continue as 
a key bench player for MN.

* Micheal Williams: has been a (occasionally) walking nightmare for the 
Wolves since they day he was acquired. He has a monster contract and has 
played in only 10 games in the past 2 seasons due to a severe foot injury. 
Williams has reached a crossroads in his career. If he cannot pass his 
physical this yr, the Wolves will petition the league to have him retire 
retroactively back to 1994, saving MN much needed $ heading into an 
offseason free agent bumper crop. He has expressed a desire to play again, 
but many fans (and management types) would be happier to see him go.

With the 5th pick in the 1996 Usenet Mock Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves 
select John Wallace of Syracuse.

Reasons for selection: Wallace will be a capable backup for both Tom Gugliotta 
and Kevin Garnett. His shoots over 40% from 3-pt range, has good post moves, and
is an excellent rebounder and passer. Also, he has proven he's a gamer, carrying
an injured Syracuse team on his back all the way to the final game in this yr's 
NCAA Tourney. Leadership and maturity are 2 strengths that are hard to find in 
this yr's draft pool, and Wallace has both, which will be a nice addition to a 
very young Wolves team. On a parallel track, if a trade is in the Wolves future,
he will clearly be the most valuable player available.

Others considered: 

Eric Dampier -- basically a younger Andrew Lang. He's got good defense and a 
couple of low post moves, but if MN wants a backup C, he should be more of an 
offensive threat.

Antoine Walker -- very similar to Wallace, but less experienced. Also more of a 
selfish player, although he may very well turn out to be an excellent NBA 
player. Always tough to evaluate a Kentucky player and project his game into the
pros, so I'll go w/ the consensus 2nd best SF/PF.

Kerry Kittles -- excellent SG, great speed, slashing ability and defense. He'll 
be an all-star in 3 yrs, but right now the Wolves are making noise about keeping
Rider (unless they can trade him to get the #2 pick) so taking a SG wouldn't 
make much sense.

Steve Nash -- actually the guy most Wolves fans now want, but since we were 
advised against big reaches, picking the 20th rated player @ #5 just because the
Wolves need a PG doesn't work either. It would throw off the rest of the draft 
order, and in the real world, the Wolves will be able to trade Wallace for Nash 
and a starter (or a future pick), so he's really not out of the picture.