Danny Wolf - 2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report

Danny Wolf is a 6'11.5", 252-pound forward/center from Michigan with a 7'2" wingspan and a 9'1" standing reach. He’ll be 21.1 years old at the time of the draft. Wolf projects as a unique offensive-minded rotation-level big whose success will depend particularly heavily on scheme fit, as well as shooting development.

Projection & Statistical Analysis

Wolf only produced at a draftable level in one of his three college seasons, but his final year at Michigan showed signs of real NBA-caliber skill, especially against strong competition. He carried high usage as a big, though his true shooting percentage was poor, and he finished the year with a negative assist-to-turnover ratio, despite an excellent assist rate.

He averaged just eight dunks and shot 63% at the rim, both worrying numbers for a 6'11+ big man. Among modern NBA bigs, only a few—like Quinton Post, Cody Zeller, and Lauri Markkanen—have succeeded with such low dunk and rim-finishing marks, and none had as few dunks as Wolf. His free throw percentage (64%) raises further concerns about his shooting reliability, despite his career 34% 3PT on difficult attempts.

His block and steal rates were poor for a center, and although he didn’t foul much, he also didn’t get to the line—a product of his craft-based, non-physical finishing style. However, his net contributions were tangible: he rebounded well, coexisted effectively with another 7-footer (Vlad Goldin), and showed advanced skills that separate him from traditional bigs.

Offense

Wolf’s offensive game is defined by his perimeter skill and playmaking creativity, rather than by any conventional big-man scoring ability. His handle is exceptional for his size—tight, creative, and functional. He can drive from a standstill, come off movement into a drive, or initiate actions off screens. He regularly strings together advanced moves like behind-the-back dribbles and change-of-pace hesitations, and he gets impressively low to the ground.

Crucially, Wolf’s drives worked against athletic, non-traditional bigs—not just plodding college centers—which bodes well for his ability to initiate offense from the perimeter in the NBA.

His passing is advanced, particularly on the move. He consistently finds cutters, shooters, and lob partners and displayed strong synergy with Michigan’s big men. His vision remains live throughout plays, and he looks comfortable making difficult reads. The high turnover rate stems more from risk and creative ambition than sloppiness, although he was guilty of some bone-headed passes.

As a shooter, he takes tough threes: sprint-into shots, pull-ups, and deep attempts off movement. That willingness is a plus, but the results are mixed. His 34% from three is solid given the context, but the 64% FT is a red flag. If he can’t consistently hit NBA corner threes, it limits his utility significantly—he becomes spacing-dependent rather than a floor spacer himself.

He doesn’t finish above the rim and rarely plays through contact. His rim finishing is entirely touch-based, almost like a guard. While he has good touch, it only goes so far: he struggles to finish in traffic and doesn’t generate free throws. These traits also limit his projection as a roller.

In the NBA, he’ll be better served playing as a power forward, especially if paired with a big who can shoot. His game flourishes in space, and he'll be best served with space to operate on the perimeter without anchoring traditional big-man responsibilities.

Defense

Wolf is a mixed bag defensively. His best skill is isolation defense on the perimeter. He moves his feet well, competes hard, and clearly takes pride in guarding one-on-one. He has enough mobility to switch onto wings and hold his own—not against lightning-quick guards, but certainly in most forward matchups.

However, he’s a poor fit in most traditional defensive schemes. He can’t navigate screens on the perimeter, limiting his value unless he’s used exclusively in switch-heavy schemes. He also offers limited rim protection. His block rate is poor, and the film confirms it: he lacks vertical lift, doesn’t have elite timing, and doesn’t consistently challenge shots. He also doesn't compete particularly hard around the rim.

On the plus side, he’s a good defensive rebounder, and his strength and length give him some potential as a post defender if he commits mentally.

In the NBA, he needs to defend power forwards, not centers. From the 4 spot, his rim protection limitations become less damaging, and his lateral mobility and rebounding are more valuable. Playing next to a true rim protector would allow him to stay out on the perimeter, switch, and clean up the glass without being overwhelmed.

Conclusion

Danny Wolf is a highly unconventional big man who offers rare perimeter skill and playmaking at 6'11. His combination of handle, vision, and creativity could unlock offensive value in the right role. But he also comes with several red flags—poor finishing, low rim pressure, shooting questions, and significant defensive limitations if miscast as a center.

In a power forward role next to a stretch-five who protects the rim and doesn’t require spacing from Wolf, he can be a valuable rotation piece—especially in a switch-heavy defensive scheme. His touch, feel, and floor game are all strong. But unless the shooting improves or he becomes more reliable finishing inside, his upside is capped.

Fit will make or break him. He is one of the most system-sensitive prospects in the draft.