After being absent from the playoffs for a (very) long time, the Minnesota Timberwolves made their triumphant return to the postseason in 2017-2018. While things didn’t end the way Minnesota would have preferred, the Wolves made great strides in compiling 47 wins and, if not for an ill-timed injury to Jimmy Butler, the franchise may have posted a 50-win season with better positioning in the playoff pecking order.
Looking forward, the Wolves have some big-picture questions to address, from the future of Andrew Wiggins (and his monster contract) to a supporting cast that has quality parts but doesn’t necessarily fit perfectly with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler. The Wolves actually dealt their own 2018 first round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in an ill-conceived deal for Adreian Payne but, fortunately for Minnesota, the organization was able to extract a first round pick from Oklahoma City and will have picks at No. 20 and No. 48 to attempt to strengthen the roster.
It is tough to unearth a superstar without a pick in the top half of the first round but the Wolves should be seeking a specific archetype of a role player that can function well alongside Towns and Butler. With that said, here are a few options that could be available when Minnesota makes its selections on June 21.
- Keita Bates-Diop – PF/SF, Ohio State – Bates-Diop is a player that Tom Thibodeau will almost certainly like. He isn’t a great athlete but Bates-Diop does a lot of things well, defends, and has switchable defensive presence. He wouldn’t be flashy at all but, at No. 20, there is value associated with him.
- Jacob Evans – SG/SF, Cincinnati – Much like Bates-Diop, this wouldn’t be a sexy selection but he plays very hard. That should endear him to this particular front office and Minnesota needs more quality wings. Evans can also knock down threes, which is a must for what the Wolves are trying to accomplish.
- Kevin Hervey – SF, UT-Arlington – Hervey is almost certainly a second round-only target but he fits in the mold of what Minnesota is expected to pursue. The question, oddly enough, is where Hervey’s jumper will actually fall enough at the next level but he has an intriguing skill set, particularly at No. 48 overall.
- Kevin Huerter – SG/SF, Maryland – Given how quickly Huerter seems to be rising in draft circles, he may be gone by the time the Wolves have the chance to take him. That would have seemed crazy a few weeks ago but Huerter’s shot-making is quite enticing and, well, the Wolves need floor spacing.
- Chandler Hutchison – SF, Boise State – This has been a popular mock pairing for a reason. Hutchison is a polished, impressive prospect on the offensive end and he has real small forward length. He’s a bit older than some prospects in this range but, in contrast, he’s also ready to play right now.
- Justin Jackson – PF/SF, Maryland – Jackson won’t be in the mix at No. 20 but his defensive tools are undeniable. Injuries made his last season at Maryland brutal but, one year ago, he was seen as a potential first round pick for a reason. It would be easy to justify taking a gamble on his health and physical profile at a late juncture in the second round.
