2011 NBA Draft: 5 Reasons Why the Timberwolves Should Keep the No. 2 Pick

With the 2011 NBA Draft looming, speculation surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves and their No. 2 overall pick has begun.

Some analysts are reporting that the Timberwolves will keep the pick and draft Arizona forward Derrick Williams, while others are reporting that the organization is looking to acquire a big man, and even more recently, Steve Nash, and, in doing so, trade the pick away for an experienced player.

This slide show will examine why the Timberwolves should keep the No. 2 pick, take Derrick Williams and then trade Michael Beasley to acquire a player similar to that which they could have acquired by trading their first pick in the draft.

1) Derrick Williams Is Good, Really Good

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California.

The Timberwolves haven't made the best first-round selections in years past, but their possibilities this year make it hard for the organization to not find a superstar for their struggling team.

Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams are by far the best two players in this year's draft, and, with Irving expected to go No. 1 overall, Williams will be a nice fit for the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves need help down low, and Williams is capable of filling that void. He is also very good at attacking the basket and a strong outside shooter.

Analysts have also called Williams one of the only NBA-ready players in this year's draft, which will benefit the Timberwolves in that he will be able to make an immediate impact for the team and likely improve their 17-65 record from last season.

2) Ricky Rubio Is Coming

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MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 22: Ricky Rubio of Spain watches on during a friendly basketball game between Spain and the USA at La Caja Magica on August 22, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

On June 1, it was confirmed that the two-year Ricky Rubio saga was coming to an end, as Rubio finally decided to join the Minnesota Timberwolves for the coming season.

Although Rubio, who was drafted fifth overall two years ago, is still only 20 years old, he brings a lot of potential to the Timberwolves. Rubio has proven that he is one of the best passers in basketball in recent years as well as shown that he has strong ball-handling skills.

Rubio logged minutes for the Spanish national team during the 2008 Olympics, and more recently, averaged 5.3 points in 23 minutes while playing in Spain's top basketball league. Trading the No. 2 overall pick to acquire Steve Nash seems pointless with Rubio's arrival in Minnesota. If Rubio struggles this season and the Timberwolves find themselves in a similar position next year, trade talks surrounding point guards would be welcomed, but until then, they appear as purely speculation and rumor.

He is expected to be Minnesota's starting point guard, as Luke Ridnour is expected to move into one of the Timberwolves stronger bench playing roles.

3) They Can Trade Michael Beasley

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BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 03: Michael Beasley #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a foul called against him in the second half against the Boston Celtics on January 3, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Timberwolve

Michael Beasley arrived in Minnesota last July by way of a trade with the Miami Heat, who were seeking to free up some space, and salary, for LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Beasley played well in Minnesota last season, as he averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 boards in 32.3 minutes per game with the Timberwolves. These numbers further prove that Beasley, who was drafted second overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, is a talented basketball player, although his best fit may not be in Minnesota.

Also, by drafting forward Derrick Williams, the Timberwolves will not need Beasley, also a forward, as much. A surplus of forwards means Beasley could be on the chopping block for the Timberwolves, who have made it known that they are looking for a veteran big man.

4) Team Chemistry

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: Andray Blatche #7 of the Washington Wizards puts up a shot while being guarded by Kevin Love #42 and Nikola Pekovic #14 (R) of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Verizon Center on March 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: U

Although it is tough to deny that Michael Beasley is a talented player, his fit on next season's Minnesota Timberwolves is easy to question.

By drafting Derrick Williams, the Timberwolves will likely have Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Williams in their plans for the future, leaving Beasley high-and-dry. The culture of the Timberwolves could, and likely would, improve without having to worry about how they could work Beasley into their everyday lineup.

Because of Beasley's high points-per-game average last season, he would likely not be happy with a role as a bench player for the Timberwolves, which would create a lot of unwanted off-the-court drama for a team already dealing with rebounding from a tough 2010-2011 season.

5) They Can Still Get a Big Man

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MIAMI, FL - JUNE 02: Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts in the third quarter while taking on the Miami Heat in Game Two of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 2, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

Just because the Timberwolves would miss out on trading for big man Marcin Gortat because they've decided to keep the No. 2 overall pick, they would still have a chance at signing a talented big man.

There are some big name free agents out there that the Timberwolves could possibly lure to Minnesota, the most likely of which would be Dallas' Tyson Chandler or Sacramento's Samuel Dalembert. Both are very good, under-the-radar players that would make a huge impact for the Timberwolves.

With many big name big men being out on the market (Nene, Yao Ming and Tim Duncan, to name a few), the Timberwolves have the opportunity to go after some of the lesser known but equally as talented players to fill the void in their lineup.