NBA Draft 2011: The Minnesota Timberwolves' Most Important Draft Ever

This is the most important draft in the history of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Period.

I have sat through the past four years wondering, waiting, and wishing something good would happen to this team. On days they got a win, I was ecstatic. On days they lost, I really did not care. They weren't going anywhere anyway. Now is the time to change that. This draft is the catalyst to better things for the Minnesota franchise.

 So why is this draft any different than previous ones?

1. The Wolves have a chance to take a star. Maybe not a proven star, and maybe not someone who will make consistent all star teams, but Derrick Williams could bring excitement to a state that has been thirsting for good basketball.

2. A plan is coming together. The last few seasons have been a hodge podge of young, inexperienced players and David Kahn's mad scientist tweaking. As good as Randy Foye/Corey Brewer/Jonny Flynn/Wes Johnson have been, they have not been the winning blue prints the team has needed. Fans can begin to see a team forming, and more importantly, a team to cheer for.

3. Ricky Rubio. He is young and untested, but it is the first time since Stephon Marbury the Wolves have a chance to have a franchise point guard. (Don't get me wrong, I loved Terrell Brandon and Sam Cassell, but those guys were not elite talent). That is the puzzle piece playoff teams have and the Wolves have not. Ricky may or may not be the answer, but he is the best place to start.

4. Marketable Players. Ever since Kevin Garnett left, I have monitored the team's online store looking for whose jersey's were for sale I've seen Randy Foye, Corey Brewer, and Al Jefferson. I wouldn't be caught dead in any of those. And last year, during a trip to the NBA store in New York City I saw them hanging a Jonny Flynn jersey in the team's locker! Seriously. The team finally has marketable stars in Rubio, Love, and potentially Williams. I'm excited for fans to come to see our players, not whoever is in the road jerseys that night. (Prediction: Rubio jerseys will be second to only Mauer's in Minnesota team sales)

5. The chance to make Minny a basketball destination.Let's stop being okay with being doormats and destinations for mediocre players. We can finally say "Hey, do you want to play with an exciting young point guard, a dynamic wing player, and the best rebounder in the league? Then come to Minnesota." I don't think that would have been possible with Jonny Flynn starting at the point.

I am starting to get some goosebumps about how the draft will turn out. Good things will come to those who wait. Lord knows the Timberwolves have waited long enough.

---

For more 2011 NBA draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated NBA mock drafts, B/R's Big Board of Recruits, NBA draft rumors, NBA draft results and draft grades.