Wendell Moore reveals what he will bring to Timberwolves after NBA Draft selection

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded their first round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft for a pair of selections which it turned into Walker Kessler and Wendell Moore. After taking the Auburn center with No. 22, the circled back to the Duke wing after another trade moved them in at No. 26.

During the introductory press conference, Wendell Moore spoke about what it means to reach the NBA and how he can contribute for the Minnesota Timberwolves as a rookie in 2022-23.

“I hope that I can bring winning,” said Moore. “Like coach said, it’s already an exciting young group that we have here. So I’m just here to compete, I’m just here to add to the already winning culture that we have. I just want to win.”

The Timberwolves started to develop that winning culture last season when veteran guard Patrick Beverley arrived to help work with young stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. They reached the playoffs after winning a play-in game against the Los Angeles Clippers and lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in six games after stealing one on the road early in the series.

More about Wendell Moore

The Duke Blue Devils made ACC history in Thursday night’s 2022 NBA Draft. They had five players selected, the first time any school from the conference has accomplished such a feat in the two-round draft era.

A four-star recruit in the Class of 2019, Wendell Moore became an increasingly important member of the Duke Blue Devils over the years. He spoke on draft night about the emotions of hearing his name called and what it means to reach this point after a long journey from high school through college.

“Man, I mean, this moment right here means everything to me,” said Moore. “Like you said, I basically battled through everything. I’ve been through the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs. But man, just staying the course. I made it. I made it here. So, I mean, the work is just beginning. I can’t wait to get to Minnesota. Can’t wait to get to work.”

For his Duke career, Moore averaged 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He also shot 45.9% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range. In 2022 he was named to the second-team All-ACC, All-ACC Defensive Team and also won the Julius Erving Award for top collegiate small forward.