NBA Draft 2011: Derrick Williams and 15 Best Picks for Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have not had the greatest track record in the NBA draft.
They have been known to draft Ndudi Ebi as well as three point guards in one round.
So what they will actually do come draft day is a mystery to us all. Heck, I don't even think David Kahn has a clue what he will do until he pulls straws on what player to select.
But every year the Wolves faithful hope the team makes a wise selection. Often, those same faithful are disappointed, but remain optimistic that the Wolves will finally turn a corner.
This year, David Kahn has many options. He can either trade down or draft with our current selections.
I just hope he does something smart. Like picking some of the 15 guys that are in this slideshow!
1. Derrick Williams
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Derrick Williams is almost guaranteed to be the No. 2 pick in this year's draft.
With the Timberwolves currently holding the number two pick, it will be interesting to see if Williams actually goes as expected.
The Timberwolves are not a team that can draft based on need. They need talent.
Williams is the second most talented player in the draft; thus the Timberwolves should take him.
If they pass on him and he turns out to be better than Michael Beasley, it will be looked at as another monstrous error in a draft history filled with slip-ups.
2. Enes Kanter
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If the Wolves do not select Derrick Williams with the second pick, the only other conceivable move would be the selection of Enes Kanter.
Kanter could be just what the Timberwolves need at the center position.
His ability to score surpasses that of Darko Milicic and his physical play will allow him to scoop up the rebounds that Kevin Love cannot handle.
Kanter may be available a few picks later, so if possible it would be nice to see the Wolves trade down to select him.
3. Chris Singleton
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are absolutely horrendous on the defensive end of the court.
Chris Singleton may be just what they need. Out of Florida State, Singleton is a defensive stopper who would impact the Wolves almost immediately.
Singleton's selection would be difficult, however, since he is expected to go in between picks No. 2 and No. 20. Thus, the only way to nab Singleton would be in a trade down scenario.
4. Donatas Motiejunas
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Timberwolves GM, David Kahn, is not adverse to selecting European prospects. He did so when he drafted Ricky Rubio a couple of years ago, knowing he would most likely need to wait a year or two before Rubio wore a Timberwolves jersey.
If Donatas Motiejunas falls to No. 20, there is no way Kahn will pass him up.
The seven foot Motiejunas is an aggressive scorer, a trait that is highly valued in the Wolves organization. He has an ability to make an impact very quickly if he finds a niche on the team.
5. Bismack Biyombo
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Bismack Biyombo is the type of prospect that could find himself falling way down the board on draft day.
He has been rumored to be a top five pick but since then he has seemed to lose favor among many GM's.
Biyombo is talented. Yes, he is raw, but the talent is there. He is a solid defender who, with a little help, could develop a decent offensive game.
If he were to fall all the way to No. 20, Kahn may just pull the trigger on him.
6. Trade No. 2 Pick to Milwaukee for Andrew Bogut and the No. 10
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The latest rumor surrounding the No. 2 pick involves the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is believed that the Bucks offered center Andrew Bogut and the No. 10 pick in exchange for the No. 2.
If this is true, it could easily work in the Timberwolves' favor. Not only would we acquire a decent center in Bogut, but we could then draft a solid player at No. 10.
The major question surrounding Bogut is injury, but he is hopeful that he will be fully healed come next season.
With the No. 10 pick, the Wolves could draft Klay Thompson.
Thompson was one of the best shooters in college basketball, has outstanding range on his jump shot and, to top it all off, has a tremendous basketball IQ.
Thompson would fit in nicely with the current Wolves roster and has the opportunity to make an impact immediately. While there are still some questions about Thompson's maturity, his upside is worth the risk.
7. Kenneth Faried
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Kenneth Faried is another player the Timberwolves need to consider if he is around at No. 20.
Faried is an energy player who could bring some much needed life to the franchise.
Comparisons have been made between Faried and Anthony Tolliver, but Faried is a better rebounder and scorer around the rim. The only thing Tolliver does better than Faried is shoot from the outside, something that is not required in a big man.
8. Marshon Brooks
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Marshon Brooks seems to have been overlooked thus far in draft previews.
Brooks is crazy athletic and thrives on his ability to reach the rim. He also may be the best pure scorer that comes out of the 2011 draft class.
While the Timberwolves may not need help scoring, they need help at guard. Brooks can be the help they need.
The Timberwolves front office needs to consider selecting him at No. 20.
9. Nikola Mirotic
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Nikola Mirotic is not expected to go until late in the first round.
That does not mean that David Kahn won't select him with pick No. 20.
Mirotic is a very versatile player. He can play multiple positions, but more importantly, he can defend multiple positions. With the Wolves well-documented struggles on defense, Mirotic could be the player they need to make a difference.
10. Charles Jenkins
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Charles Jenkins just entered the conversation of who the Timberwolves may draft. First thought to be a first-round bubble pick, Jenkins has drawn the interest of some in the organization.
He is big-time scorer who can knock it down from anywhere. Jenkins is also very large and physical for a guard, something that appeals to the Timberwolves.
While I would not mind the selection of Jenkins, I would hope that we would trade down to grab him. I just do not see top-20 talent in the Hofstra guard.
11. Alec Burks
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Alec Burks is expected to be a lottery pick. Thus, in order to snag him, the Wolves would need to trade down from the No. 2 spot, which remains a possibility.
He has excellent defensive ability, a good shot and a high ceiling.
In essence, Burks may be exactly what the Wolves need at this point. If the Wolves do trade down, Burks will receive serious consideration.
12. Tyler Honeycutt
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Tyler Honeycutt could be a viable option for the Wolves even though he already plays a position filled by Michael Beasley.
If Derrick Williams is taken at No. 2, Beasley could very well find his way out of town. Thus, a door would open for Honeycutt.
Although he does not have the same ability as Beasley to create his own shot, Honeycutt more than makes up for it with his defense. His basketball IQ also makes him very appealing to many teams.
It is doubtful that the Wolves will select him at No. 20 but he may get a look.
13. Brandon Knight
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Brandon Knight is ready to make an impact in the NBA. Although his chances of being selected by the Wolves have dropped dramatically since Ricky Rubio announced he will sign with the team, Knight remains a possibility.
Remember, David Kahn has drafted three point guards in the first round before, and I wouldn't put it past him again.
Knight is very fast and has a very good shot. A solid defensive player, Knight's biggest weakness is his passing. That can be worked on at the NBA level, so if Kahn is feeling crazy, Knight could be joining the Timberwolves.
14. Kemba Walker
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Kemba Walker is another player who is likely to not get any consideration from the Wolves now that Rubio has joined the squad.
Regardless, Walker would be a good fit in Minnesota.
He is speedy player who dominated in college with his quickness and ability to score. He averaged 23.2 PPG last year, and the Wolves need point guards who can score.
So although I would like to see Walker in Wolves uniform, it is highly unlikely.
15. No. 2 Pick and Kevin Love to the Lakers for Pau Gasol
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I honestly hope this rumor isn't true.
This would be the biggest mistake made by the Timberwolves organization since the hiring of David Kahn.
Kevin Love is young and still developing into a very good NBA player. Pau Gasol is a guy in his 30's who might have five good years left in him.
To make matters worse, the Wolves seem willing to hand away No. 2 along with Love!
So we would be trading away our two best trade chips for virtually nothing. If that happens, my days of cheering for the Timberwolves are over.
