We now know the Timberwolves will be picking 11th overall in next month’s NBA Draft, following the results of the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday.
What exactly they’re looking for in a player is an unknown with new President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas in charge, and it remains to be seen who Rosas will name head coach, with that decision likely playing a large role in the direction the team goes in the draft.
Assuming the Wolves don’t trade up or downt, here are five of the best prospects who could be available when Minnesota picks 11.
Romeo Langford, small forward, Indiana
Langford is the 11th-best prospect in the draft and the second best small forward in this year’s class, according to ESPN. He checks in at 6-foot-6 and 202 pounds and played one season at Indiana University.
He battled injuries last season but appeared in 32 games for the Hoosiers, averaging 16 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 44 percent from the field.
He wasn’t much of a threat from behind the arc – a 27 percent shooter – and wasn’t considered a strong shooter coming out of high school. However, his athletic ability has shown enough that he’ll likely be a first-round pick.
Brandon Clarke, power forward, Gonzaga
Clarke is widely considered the second-best power forward in the draft.
Clarke played two seasons at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga, where he averaged 17 points per game on 68 percent shooting to go along with 8.6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3.2 blocks per game in 2018-19.
He was the No. 1 finisher at the rim, according to ESPN, converting 74.3 percent of his shots in close. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound big man wasn’t much of a threat from deep, converting just 25 percent of his 3-pointers.
But considering he averaged a ton of blocks, his defensive ability would be a welcomed addition to the Wolves.
Bol Bol, center, Oregon
Speaking of big men, Bol is an absolute monster of a human being at 7′ 2″ and 222 pounds, and is considered the second-best center in this year’s class.
He’s easily the biggest player in this year’s draft but with that size, comes some injury risk.
Bol played in just nine games last year with the Oregon Ducks but when he was on the court, he put up video game numbers, averaging 21 points on 51 percent shooting, 9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and even converted 52 percent of his 3-point attempts.
If his body can hold up, you’re talking about the next Joel Embiid, who’s also a superstar but has had trouble staying healthy.
Kevin Porter Jr., shooting guard, USC
Porter’s is the 14th best prospect in the draft and the fourth best shooting guard.
Don’t let his college statistics fool you. Even though he averaged just 9.5 points and started just four of 21 games, the 6′ 6″ 218 pound guard was a sniper, shooting 47 percent from the floor and 51 percent from behind the arc.
ESPN stated he can be an undisciplined player who adds little value when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands, but at the same time the Wolves lack a true shooter of his ability.
So he could be someone who’s a great option off the bench, especially if Derrick Rose departs in free agency.
P.J. Washington, power forward, Kentucky
Washington played two seasons for John Calipari at Kentucky, playing in 72 games and starting 63 of them.
At 6′ 8″, 228 pounds, he’s one of the many talented power forward in this year’s class. He also upped his numbers across the board from his freshman-to-sophomore season.
He was the leading scorer for the Wildcats last year, averaging 15 points per game, on 54 percent shooting, while drilling 42 percent of his 3-pointers.
Analysts say if he can be a more rounded defensive player, he could be one of the most underrated players in the draft.
