2011 NBA Draft: Chris Singleton A Perfect Fit for the Minnesota Timberwolves

When you talk about the 2011 NBA Draft, you aren't necessarily talking about the most celebrated class of all time.

However, there is one looming prospect that might intrigue the minds of Minnesota Timberwolves' fans.

His name is Chris Singleton.

Singleton, a Florida State product, could be exactly what the T'Wolves need for the upcoming season.

A 6'8", 215-pound small forward, Singleton excelled like no other player in the nation defensively this year collegiately.

And as every NBA fan knows, the Wolves are perhaps the worst defensive team in the league.

Singleton, who is slated as the 23rd pick in most mock drafts, is a genius on the defensive side of things. He literally has the best lateral quickness in all of college basketball.

He was the unquestioned alpha male of the Seminoles this season—a squad he led to become the No. 1 ranked defense in the nation. He propelled them to a Sweet 16 appearance after beating the likes of Texas A&M and Notre Dame.

He could be a perfect fit: He can play both forward positions and provide some defensive help and depth for Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph.

A perfect NBA comparison is Josh Smith. While Smith may not be the most productive scorer of all-time, he doesn't need to be. Atlanta has Joe Johnson and Al Horford for that.

Singleton can block, rebound and pass like Smith, and can be a do-it-all forward.

It could end up being the same situation with the 'Wolves, because Love, Beasley and Randolph are all adequate scorers. Singleton not being too much of an offensive threat doesn't kill their chances next season.

Additionally, the Seminole is a shot-blocking whiz (he swatted 1.5 per game), decent rebounder (6.8 per) and a stealing demon (two per). 

One thing he must improve upon is his free-throw shooting. He was a 66.7 percent foul shooter this past season, and in order to earn more playing time, he has to practice and drain a greater percentage.

His offense isn't tremendous, but at the same time, it isn't awful (13.1 points per game); his defensive abilities easily erase what he can't do on offense.

In all honesty, the 'Wolves should use their second pick of the first round on Singleton. He is a defensive wizard who will provide some astounding help in the frontcourt.

I just hope David Kahn doesn't draft three more point guards in the first round, because otherwise, he'll miss out on this useful gem.

Joseph Fafinski is currently a freshman at the University of Missouri. Originally from Chaska, Minnesota, Joseph is an NBA and Minnesota Timberwolves Featured Columnist and a frequent writer of the NBA, NFL and MLB. You can e-mail Joseph at [e-mail] or on Twitter at  @JosephFafinski.