Who's No. 3?

Last update: May 19, 2008 - 9:22 PM

WHO'S NO. 3?

So if Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley are 1-2 in either order and the Wolves do no better than they deserve, who's the third player in the so-called two-player draft? Here are some likely candidates:

1. Brook Lopez, Stanford, 7-0 sophomore center Smart athletic center with good moves who is entering the draft with his twin brother, Robin. Suspended for the first nine games this season because of academic issues, he led the Cardinal to the NCAA tournament's Sweet Sixteen.

2. O.J. Mayo, USC, 6-4 freshman guard College basketball's Randy Moss: A supremely gifted athlete from West Virginia whom scouts seemingly have discussed forever, for reasons good and bad. Once compared to LeBron James, he was overhyped and now is the subject of a NCAA investigation, but he still could become the draft's consensus third-best player by June 26.

3. Jerryd Bayless, Arizona, 6-3 freshman guard Quick, explosive scorer in a point guard's body. Could go as high as third overall, but might have too many similarities to Randy Foye for the Wolves to select.

4. Anthony Randolph, LSU, 6-10 freshman forward Very long, very lean leaper who is moving up the draft charts with a bullet, possibly into the top 5. Tremendous potential, but perhaps enough of a project to give the Wolves pause.

5. Kevin Love, UCLA, 6-9 freshman forward The kind of player who makes NBA scouts earn their big money. Dominated the Pac-10 as a freshman and might be the greatest outlet passer you'll ever see. But is he athletic enough? Losing about 20 pounds will help.

6. Danilo Gallinari, Italy, 6-9 forward Versatile small forward who can play multiple positions and has succeeded against Europe's best at age 19. Excellent ball handler and passer, but his athleticism and quickness are question marks.