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Progress Report On Wolves Draft Pick Wesley Johnson

By Eric Nelson, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a lead and a game Friday night to Indiana Pacers -- Saturday night, Philadelphia 76ers are in town. When a team is rebuilding, you grade them progress so here's a progress report on their first pick Wesley Johnson.

Johnson has gone from snowy Syracuse to frigid Minneapolis in pursuit of his hoop dreams. Ask Johnson which city has more snow and he gives the nod to...

"Oh man that's a battle but right now, being here in the cold, I think Minnesota's got it," he said.

Johnson was the Timberwolves top draft choice -- a lottery pick that can slash, shoot and pass. Johnson has plenty of potential and could be a building block in Minnesota's basketball foundation.

"Once he gets comfortable in doing all of those things, he would be able to have an impact in so many areas of the game -- offensively and defensively," said Wolves head coach Kurt Rambis.

Johnson's transition from major college ball to the NBA has had some turbulence. But most agree that Johnson could blossom into an explosive player. 

"He's one of the most athletic people I've ever seen and I don't think nobody has seen the amount of athleticism he has," said Timberwolves Guard Jonny Flynn.

Johnson has learned plenty in his rookie season with the Timberwolves and one of the things he has picked up on quickly is that the NBA is a business.

However, Johnson still has plenty of enthusiasm for basketball. He even believes the young Timberwolves are close to being a good team.

"Definitely I think the fans and everybody sees it across the country how close we are and how many games we're in, we're just missing that one piece," said Johnson.

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