Jalen Suggs' name was called quickly Thursday night in the NBA draft. Another Minnesotan, Jericho Sims, had to wait four hours longer.
Jericho Sims, former Cristo Rey Jesuit standout, goes in second round to Knicks
Champlin Park's McKinley Wright goes undrafted, but agrees to deal with Wolves.
July 30, 2021 at 5:21AM
Sims was taken in the second round (58th overall), three picks before the draft ended, by the New York Knicks. A former Cristo Rey Jesuit standout, the 6-10 center played four seasons at Texas.
With a strong showing at the NBA draft combine, Sims moved into draft consideration. He played well in scrimmages, and tested (44.5-inch max vertical) and measured (7-3.5 wingspan) off the charts in Chicago.
The son of former Gophers forward Charles Sims averaged 9.2 points and 7.2 rebounds last season for the Longhorns.
Suggs went No. 5 overall to Orlando, making him the highest choice among Minnesotans since Kevin McHale went No. 3 in 1980.
Three other Minnesotans who were on the draft bubble were not taken.
Headed for free agency were Matthew Hurt, a former Rochester John Marshall standout who was All-ACC as a sophomore last season for Duke; McKinley Wright, who had four strong seasons at Colorado after a prep career at Champlin Park; and Shakopee's Steffon Mitchell, who played at Boston College last season.
Wright agreed to a two-way contract with the Timberwolves once the draft ended, ESPN reported. The 5-11 guard tweeted (@kin_wright25), "Ain't nothing new for me.. Regardless i'm blessed, i'm thankful! I prove 'em wrong at every level, this ain't nothing new for me.. Let's get it… DOUBLE DOWN."
High-profile victims in Minnesota include Mike Conley of the Timberwolves and Twins co-owner Jim Pohlad.
