Mark Heisler, a contributing NBA writer for Forbes and the Los Angeles Times, is reporting that Minnesota will without a doubt take Karl-Anthony Towns with the first pick in the June 25 NBA Draft.
In his latest column for Forbes, Heisler says Wolves coach-president Flip Saunders had been leaning towards Duke center Jahlil Okafor until he watched Towns work out in Los Angeles last week.
“Minnesota GM/coach Flip Saunders, who had been leaning toward Okafor, is said to have turned pro-Towns after seeing him last week in Los Angeles.
The splash sent ripples throughout the NBA. Says an insider: ‘There’s no doubt, the T-Wolves are taking Towns.'”
At the same time, the Lakers are said to be “locked in” to drafting Okafor with the No. 2 overall pick, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports.
If the reports prove to be accurate, the Timberwolves will soon be adding Towns, who has become the consensus top pick in the draft. At 7-feet tall and 250 pounds, Towns is not only capable of scoring and defending in the post, but also stretching the floor with his ability to shoot 3-pointers.
In his most recent public comments about the draft, Saunders said he remains uncertain who’s name the Wolves will have NBA Commissioner Adam Silver call when they go on the clock.
Stay tuned.
