Three Key Points for the Timberwolves as the NBA Draft Approaches
With the NBA draft just two weeks away, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in a unique position compared to previous years. Their approach to the draft could significantly impact their roster.
The last time the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference finals was in 2004. At that time, they didn’t have a first-round pick due to penalties from an illegal contract with Joe Smith. Now, twenty years later, the Wolves find themselves with limited future draft capital due to the Rudy Gobert trade, a move justified by Gobert’s Defensive Player of the Year award last season.
This year, however, the Timberwolves hold the 27th overall pick in the first round and the 37th overall pick early in the second round. These assets are crucial as the team looks to build on this season’s foundation. Barring any major offseason trades, their core roster is expected to remain largely intact next season.
Despite this stability, the roster still has needs and gaps to fill. Here are some key considerations for the Wolves as the draft approaches, as discussed on Tuesday’s Daily Delivery podcast:
- Future Point Guard: The Wolves need a successor to Mike Conley Jr. at point guard. Conley played a crucial role as a stabilizing force this past season but will be 37 at the start of the next season. With two years remaining on his contract after a mid-year extension, planning for his succession is prudent. The Wolves might find their future point guard with the 27th overall pick. ESPN recently highlighted international point guard Juan Nunez and Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek as potential options for Minnesota.
- Utilizing Young Talent: Minnesota already has a group of young players struggling to break into an experienced rotation. The Wolves might consider giving more minutes to players like Leonard Miller as a potential replacement for Kyle Anderson. Alternatively, they could use their draft picks in a trade to acquire a backcourt player who can ease playmaking and shot creation pressure off Anthony Edwards.
- Draft Strategy: The Timberwolves are in a position of strength, similar to the old Spurs teams that often picked in the late 20s. With the luxury to watch other teams draft for need or upside, the Wolves can focus on selecting the best player available to help them win.
Additional Points of Interest:
- Gophers Football Recruiting: The Star Tribune’s Randy Johnson joined Tuesday’s podcast to discuss Gophers football recruiting, highlighting P.J. Fleck and his staff hosting several recruits during Summer Splash.
- Chris Paddack’s Performance: Paddack shined for the Twins in their win on Monday and has been strong this season except against the Yankees, reflecting the overall performance of the Twins this year.
- Aaron Rodgers Skips Minicamp: Aaron Rodgers is skipping the Jets’ mandatory minicamp, which seems like an unnecessary distraction.
- PWHL Minnesota Update: The Star Tribune’s Rachel Blount will join Wednesday’s podcast to discuss the recent developments in PWHL Minnesota and the eventful last few weeks.
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