8P9S NBA Mock Draft 1.0: With the 26th pick, the Indiana Pacers select…

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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USC guard Kevin Porter Jr.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 21: USC guard Kevin Porter Jr. (4) looks on during a college basketball game between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans on February 21, 2019 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

No. 12 — Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Porter Jr., G

School: USC | Class: Freshman | Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 220 | Age: 18

The Timberwolves have had quite a bit of success since dealing away Jimmy Butler and actually have a solid young core in the making.

Karl Anthony Towns is a legit star, Robert Covington is a top 50 player in the NBA and Josh Okogie is a good young wing. The only blemish is Andrew Wiggins’ contract and lackadaisical play so adding another potential high-level initiator is a good option. Kevin Porter comes with a lot of risk as he has been plagued by suspension, injuries and a lack of production.

However, his talent is undeniable. His easy vertical athleticism is an elite trait and he has flashed an advanced, NBA level handle and step-back game. Whether he can put all of these enticing flashes together to form a great offensive NBA player is up to his coaching. — Ben Pfeifer