Minnesota Timberwolves: Be Glad Miles Plumlee Isn't a Timberwolf

Without a first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft on Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves were left watching the draft for 57 picks.

The front office didn’t want it that way though. Rumor has it the Timberwolves wanted to get back into the first round to select one player: Miles Plumlee.

Minnesota and its fan base are lucky that the franchise made no move to get back into the first round. Plumlee would have been a terrible pick.

The former Duke forward has the height (6’10”) and size (245 pounds) to make it in the NBA. He is a physical presence and can be a strong defender at the next level. He also is fast for a big man and can be an asset on the fast break.

What Plumlee lacks is a strong offensive game. In his senior season at Duke he averaged 6.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

His collegiate numbers don’t suggest first-round draft status, nor do they suggest he’ll be a future all-star at the next level. The Indiana Pacers media is already berating the pick.

This piece by Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star goes so far as to illustrate the conversation that did not go on in the Miami Heat’s war room prior to the Pacers’ pick:

“Pat Riley: Gosh, I'm hoping and praying the Pacers don't take Miles Plumlee off the board.

Erik Spoelstra: You can say that again, boss.”

The negativity surrounding the Indiana pick is equivalent to what the Timberwolves would have incurred had they gotten back into the first round to select Plumlee—especially if they had to deal a future first-round pick to get there.

Wow.

The franchise dodged a bullet. Be thankful Timberwolves fans, for once your franchise did the right thing.