Gonzaga Bulldogs: 2023 Mock Draft Consensus on Julian Strawther and Drew Timme 3.0
Ed Stein
|
Drew Timme – Center/Forward
At the Combine
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230 pounds
Wingspan: 7-1.5
Timme played in two scrimmages at the combine. Game 1 wasn’t his best, with 6 points and 3 rebounds. He picked it up significantly in the second scrimmage, scoring an impressive 17 points with 7 boards.
Draft Projections
Highest Draft Spot – Round 2, Washington Wizards, 52nd overall.
Lowest Draft Spot – Round 2, Milwaukee Bucks, 58th overall.
Most Common Draft Spot – (Tie) Round 2, Indiana Pacers, 55th overall and Round 2, Milwaukee Bucks, 58th overall.
Scouting Report
Timme was a staple of college basketball over the past two years. Anyone that’s watched the game saw how effective the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ all-time leading scorer was with the ball in his hands.
He’s undoubtedly one of the most skilled big men in recent memory. Drew Timme is a monster to defend near the basket and runs the pick-and-roll effectively. His footwork is impeccable, and Timme is an outstanding passer for any position, let alone a post player.
“Offensively, Timme is a traditional big with a deep post-up arsenal that starts with a soft right-hand jump hook and continues with every counter in the book. His touch and smooth footwork help him gain an advantage over bigger centers. He’s also effective in the pick-and-roll, capable of making a couple of dribbles and/or dishing to teammates. Timme’s rebounding is also up to par, always looking for a man to box out. Defensively, the center usually tries to beat the driver to the spot rather than challenge at the rim, and he’s best staying in the paint.”
– NBA.com
Draft Prospectus
While Strawther is trending up, Timme is headed in the opposite direction. Concerns about his athleticism and defense at the next level make prospective teams leery of him.
Offensively, Timme is the whole package, but his strengths don’t fit with modern NBA offenses. These are the big reasons why he was only selected on 5 of 26 mocks.
I feel a little different. What Timme lacks in athleticism defensively, he makes up for with a high basketball IQ. He knows where he needs to be. It’s a matter of getting there in time. While defending the Gonzaga Bulldogs rim, he was rarely beaten by his man.
Without rehashing his offensive prowess, Timme is a high-percentage shooter inside with a wide variety of moves that he can score with or at least draw fouls.
To top it off, if the defense double-teams him, Timme has a sixth sense for finding the open man. Get him the ball in the paint, and his team will put up points.
At this point, it’s looking more like Timme will sign a two-way contract with an invite to a team’s summer camp. He may have to earn his NBA shot via the G-League.
Where do you think Gonzaga Bulldogs stars Julian Strawther and Drew Timme will be drafted?