The 2011 NBA Draft is just over two hours away and today we’ll be bringing you the last mock draft update of the summer.  You can find the other two parts with the links provided below, offering different perspectives at different times.

PART ONE: http://minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com/post/5875278610/nba-mock-drafts-around-the-net

PART TWO: http://minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com/post/6468597688/nba-mock-drafts-around-the-net-part-ii

In this update, unlike the last 2, everyone taking Arizona forward Derrick Williams and as usual the 20th pick is different at every turn.

Below each name in bold, you’ll find the link to their websites for their full mock drafts…

Chad Ford: ESPN NBA 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-110623

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Iman Shumpert, PG, 6-6, 221lbs., 20, Georgia Tech

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

Chad Ford of ESPN has Iman Shumpert going to the Wolves at #20.  Shumpert doesn’t make much sense to me.  Shumpert is seen as a great defensive player that can guard both guard positions.  Defense is definitely a team need, but he’s not the player I see the Wolves, taking, however with Kahn running the draft for the TWolves—drafting another point guard seems almost inevitable.

DraftExpress

http://www.draftexpress.com/

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Alec Burks, SG, 6-6, 193lbs., 19, Colorado

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

Alec Burks worked out for the Wolves in early June and the Wolves were reportedly impressed with his workout as he went head-to-head with Providence guard Marshon Brooks.  Most mocks have Burks off the board by then some as high as #10 to the Bucks.

nbadraft.net

http://nbadraft.net/2011mock_draft

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Marshon Brooks, SG, 6-5, 195lbs., 22, Providence

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

Like myself, nbadraft.net has the TWolves drafting Marshon Brooks at #20.  Brooks has been compared to Kobe Bryant, lofty expectations for the 22-year-old.  The shooting guard position is a need for the Wolves, whether Brooks would start over Wes or back him up—Wayne Ellington isn’t a great 2nd option at the 2-guard.  Brooks would need to work on his defense, but I like where he’d fit with this young team.

SportingNews

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Alec Burks, SG, 6-6, 193lbs., 19, Colorado

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

SportingNews—like DraftExpress has the Timberwolves taking Colorado guard Alec Burks.  The 2-guard is a need for the Wolves as is the center.  Burks will probably be off the board by #20 though.

Hoopshype

http://hoopshype.com/draft.htm

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Jordan Hamilton, SF, 6-9, 229lbs., 20, Texas

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

A new name at #20-Jordan Hamilton.  The Texas forward is talented, however the wing position isn’t the biggest need if the Wolves grab Derrick Williams at the one and keep Wes Johnson, Anthony Randolph, Kevin Love, Martell Webster and Michael Beasley.

NBA.com

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/06/23/mock-draft-3/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Reggie Jackson, PG, 6-3, 208lbs., 21, Boston College

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

This one doesn’t make much sense to me.  Reggie Jackson is yet another point guard—someone that David Kahn is probably considering—therefore.  Most mock drafts have Jackson going #31 to the Miami Heat, others at #27 to the Nets, he’s not an option to me, especially considering he hasn’t done any workouts for anyone and has had a major knee injury in the past.

minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Marshon Brooks, SG, 6-5, 195lbs., 22, Providence

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.  I personally like Enes Kanter, but I believe if the Wolves really want him, they need to trade down to get him, he’s been called either the biggest BUST or the player with the biggest reward.

Like I said before, I really like Marshon Brooks.  Watching an interview he seems like he’d be a nice fit personality and talent wise for the young TWolves team.  His offensive capabilities would be extremely valuable and if the Kobe Bryant comparisons ever become true, taking Brooks at 20, would be the steal of the decade.

This is the last draft update until tonight, when we’ll be updating a post by the minute with the latest picks, trades and chatter around the League.  Look for that to start at 6pmCT right here on minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com

Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

Today sources revealed that the Cleveland Cavaliers have decided on selecting Kyrie Irving with the 1st overall pick in Thursday’s draft (6/23).  As such it would now seem the Minnesota Timberwolves are a lock to take Derrick Williams with the #2 pick.

As such Michael Beasley trade rumors would seem to heat up again, HOWEVER, the ESPNs Ric Bucher states that the Timberwolves don’t plan on moving Beasley OR Randolph as a result.

Of course the Wolves could still go in a different direction with the #2 pick: the most obvious being: Enes Kanter.  The Turkish back-to-the-basket big man that would fill a need at center.  However, the word is the Wolves are looking for young athletic players that can run the floor with their point guard: Ricky Rubio, next season.

As such, the earlier reports that Michael Beasley or Anthony Randolph could be moved as a result of the Wolves drafting Williams are refuted…for now.

In an interview with Wolves editor/writer Jonah Ballow on June 16th after Williams worked out for the Wolves, he said that he’d love to have Ricky, Wes, Beas and himself on the floor at the same time, spreading the floor, with an incredibly versatile and lethal scoring lineup, putting K-Love at the 5 in that scenario, the Wolves would certainly be ‘going small’ and giving up a lot on the defensive end, however, it’s obviously not a starting lineup and obviously an offensive lineup.

With the draft now just days away, the debate on who the Wolves can nearly conclude.  Who do you think the Wolves should take with the #2 pick?  #20?

That’s all for now, stay tuned as there’ll be a lot of TWolves news, information and updates this week.  Remember to visit daily for updates all year round!  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The 2011 NBA Draft is just 4 days away and yesterday word came, on who would be in the “Green Room” on draft night.

The “Green Room” is the location on draft night where these players can sit just off the stage with their agent, friends & family. There were 15 players invited into the green room to sit, as that’s who the NBA believes will be a part of the lottery. Other players are welcome to attend, they can sit in the stands with the fans and still come up onto the stage when/if their name is called.

The 15 players invited include: Kyrie Irving (Duke), Derrick Williams (Arizona), Brandon Knight (Kentucky), Enes Kanter (Turkey), Kemba Walker (UConn), Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania), Jan Vesely (Czech Republic), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego St.), Chris Singleton (Florida St.), Klay Thompson (Washington St.), Tristan Thompson (Texas), Jimmer Fredette (BYU), Marcus Morris (Kansas), Alec Burks (Colorado), Markieff Morris (Kansas).

In the past, other names have been added to the list and subsequently-the Green Room. Possible candidates include: Bismack Biyombo (Congo), Nikola Vucevic (USC), Marshon Brooks (Providence), Jordan Hamilton (Texas) as these are players that could possibly ‘crack’ the lottery.

Stay tuned all year round for TWolves news, information & updates. Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

A recent report from Jonathan Givony of Draft Express states that “If Minnesota keeps the (#2) pick and indeed selects Williams, sources say the Timberwolves will look to move Michael Beasley as they try to improve the ‘culture of the team.’”

As of right now the Timberwolves say the intend on keeping the pick and whoever they select with it.  Some suggest Irving could fall to the #2 pick as the Cavs have certainly shown interest in him.  

If Irving were to fall to the Wolves.  The most likely scenario is to trade Irving and in return receive a veteran big man.  Although, they could look to move finally-acquired Ricky Rubio, however that seems extremely unlikely as David Kahn has worked for two years to acquire the Euro-sensation.

Back to Beasley, if Williams does go to the Wolves and Beas moves to the block, there could be a few teams that come calling.  Possibly, the Clippers.  They’re looking for an upgrade at small forward next to budding-superstars Eric Gordon & Blake Griffin.  Though Givony suggests that Beasley may not be ‘the type of player’ they’re looking for.  Another possibility could be the Raptors as they’re looking for some talent.  The Raptors were actually one of the teams last year, who nearly acquired Beasley when the Heat were ‘giving him away’.  Yet another: the Bobcats.  They were another team that initially looked at Beasley when he was made available by the Heat and after stripping there roster of Wallace & Mohammed, Stephen Jackson could certainly use some help on the offensive end.

Obviously, if the TWolves grab Williams he would play the 3 (small forward), even though there’s been plenty of debate among scouts and teams whether he’s a 3 or 4 (small forward or power forward) in this League.

That’s all for now.  Stay tuned for all your draft updates and information pertaining to the Wolves as we draw closer to the June 23rd Draft night.  Also, remember to visit frequently for daily updates about your Minnesota Timberwolves all year long.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: May 28 @6:30pmCT According to Chris Broussard an ESPN NBA Analyst, the Pistons would have to get something in return for Richard Hamilton & the 8th pick, however Cleveland seems to be pursuing this pretty hard, so I’m sure this isn’t tge last we’ll hear of it.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons are discussing a trade involving a lot of first round picks in next month’s draft.

The proposed trade is Richard Hamilton of the Pistons to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit’s 8th pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves as well as Cleveland’s 4th pick. There is no word, on what Detroit would get (except dumping Rip’s large & lengthy contract).

The Cavs would actually buy out the remaining 2-years and $25M, allowing him to sign with another club (most likely Chicago or Boston).

The deal is just being discussed and therefore nothing is imminent.

For the Wolves, the idea is that they want the Turkish big man: Enes Kanter, who would be a stretch at the #2 pick, but would almost certainly be available at #4.

The Cavs would then have the 1st and 2nd pick and most likely draft Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams. The Cavs feel that Irving and Williams would be the perfect building blocks as they look to rebuild after a terrible post-LBJ season in ‘10-‘11. The Utah Jazz currently own the #3 pick and in a lot of mock drafts, they have them selecting Brandon Knight.

That’s all for now, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing more about this soon enough, STAY TUNED!! Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!!

There has been some ‘speculation’ recently that, with the #1 pick in next month’s draft, the Cavs may not select Kyrie Irving.  In a report, the Cavs are apparently not “fully committed” to selecting Irving.

He’s not a lock for the top spot, but despite all that, he’ll likely be dawning a Cavs uni, whenever next season may come…

The Cavs feel they can get behind Irving and he can become the new face of the franchise, on the court and in the community.  The only drawback they say they could face, is if Kyrie doesn’t pass the medical, that could potentially raise some concerns.  There’s also some concerns as to why he didn’t partake in the Draft Combine, not so much that he wasn’t there (there were plenty projected top picks not there), but if that raises some concerns as to his health, as he missed most of the prior NCAA season.

Who would the Cavs take at #1 instead?  They could look to trade the pick if something like that were to happen.  Otherwise they could potentially look at Derrick Williams (the projected #2 pick, that is adamant he’s the best player in the Draft) or Turkish big man: Enes Kanter.  Those seem to be the only other logical selections.

If the Cavs decide to select someone else at #1 (not very likely) the Wolves and the point guard drafting-Kahn will likely snatch him (Irving) up.

That’s all for now, but stay tuned all summer long for your up-to-date news and information on the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ trip to the NBA Lottery had them slip down once again.  The TWolves had the best mathematical chance at the #1 pick (25%), but fell to #2 as the Cleveland Cavaliers grabbed the top spot thanks to the Los Angeles Clippers’ pick that went up 7 spots from #8 to #1.

As such, the Minnesota Timberwolves have already stated that they may trade the pick, either to trade down in the Draft or to grab a veteran player-maybe both!

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the #1 and #4 picks and it is almost certain that they will be selecting Kyrie Irving with that top pick.  The obvious next choice: talent-wise is Derrick Williams out of Arizona.  A versatile scoring forward, something they already possess in Beasley.  Other options include the Turkish center Enes Kanter & Bismack Biyombo, both have had their names linked to the Timberwolves.  With Biyombo however, the TWolves could certainly trade down in the draft and get him in the 7th or 8th pick.

Some of the names that Wolves reporters, fans and NBA analysts have been throwing out as far as possible veteran players for the Wolves include: Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies, Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons…these are obviously just a few of the names that are being thrown around.

I’m sure we’ll have more information as we draw closer to that June 23rd Draft night.  For now, you can find all your up-to-date information and news on the Minnesota Timberwolves all offseason long right here.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

First and foremost, I assure you, the above image is photoshopped, so don’t get too excited Wolves fans!  That being said, according to sources, the Minnesota Timberwolves are extremely optimistic that their “future point guard” will be sporting the blue & green for the ‘11-‘12 campaign…whenver that may begin.

Word is GM David Kahn is on the verge of signing the ‘09 Draft pick after multiple tries in multiple summers.  Although nothing is yet finalized, things should be “coming together” in the coming weeks.

If Rubio does sign that creates the NBA Draft debacle.  Theoretically if the Wolves get the top pick (they have the greatest mathematical chance: 25%), then the choice has to be point guard Kyrie Irving, as he is the best player in the draft.  Come May 17th (the NBA Lottery date) if the Wolves obtain that top pick and they’re able to sign Rubio, you can expect the Wolves to trade the top pick for a veteran for their “League’s Youngest Team”.  

Obviously a lot of scenarios, but something to keep an eye on.  Stay tuned to <minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com> for all your TWolves Offseason news.  Until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The following is the list of the point guard free agents.  Some of them have early termination options (player & team options), others are restricted free agents (any team that makes them an offer, can be matched by their current team) and lastly unrestricted free agents.

This is a look at all the possible point guard free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of a players that the Timberwolves absolutely need to target, but rather a list of the free agents and what they could bring to the table for Minnesota.

-Andre Miller (PO): Miller hasn’t been quite happy in Portland, Roy and Miller haven’t always seen eye-to-eye and some question whether or not they can co-exist on the same team.  Miller is a veteran point guard, which, veteran-presence is certainly something the Wolves lacked this past season.  His playmaking skills and basketball IQ would be a valuable asset.  However, with Ridnour and Rubio (possibly) as well as potentially Kyrie Irving (w/the #1 pick?) and Jonny Flynn on the roster (for now) there may not even been room for a player like Miller on the roster.  Miller has a player option, chances are good, with the CBA lingering, Miller will most likely return to the Blazers, at least for one more season.  UPDATE: In a recent report Miller has said that he’ll rely on his agent to handle his contract status, the Blazers have until June 30th to exercise his option.

-Goran Dragic (TO): Dragic is a solid young role player.  He was traded for Aaron Brooks to the Rockets.  Chances are, the Rockets will re-up the young international player.  However, if the Wolves are, as usual, looking at point guards, Goran Dragic could be on their radar, in the Wolves’ last game of the season (vs. the Rockets) Dragic obtained his career-first triple-double.  Like I said, the Rockets will pick up his option to keep him as a role player behind starter Kyle Lowry.

-Eddie House (PO): Like Dragic, House has a player option and will most likely be interested in returning to the Heat for another season.  House is a good combo-guard.  Mainly, just a shooter and role player and a veteran-presence.  He could be valuable for his veteran leadership (been on Celtics championship team and with the contending Miami Heat) and his ability to hit big shots.  Like Miller though, I’d expect him to re-up with the Heat, because of both the CBA and because of the chance to being able to play with a championship-contender: Miami Heat.

-Rodney Stuckey (R): Rodney Stuckey is a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.  The Pistons will be able to match any offer that he gets from any other team.  You’ve got to believe chances are good, he doesn’t want to return to the Pistons next season, with all the controversies in the Motor City this season.  I’m certain Stuckey will definitely get more than one offer.  If the TWolves indeed decide to offer him a contract, he would most likely be moved to a more suitable position: shooting guard, a position they definitely need filled.

-Aaron Brooks (R): Aaron Brooks was a target last season for the Wolves before the Trade Deadline when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Goran Dragic.  I’d expect the Suns to match any offer for Brooks (any reasonable offer) as it seems he’s their point guard of the future as Steve Nash continues to draw nearer to retirement.  

-T.J. Ford: Ford hasn’t played in a long while.  He was benched and inactive for the Pacers for the majority of the season.  The Pacers were able to acquire a new starting point guard: Darren Collison.  Therefore they no longer needed Ford.  He has no restrictions and I could see him jumping on with a contender next season as a role player.  He could be a valuable combo guard off the bench.  I wouldn’t expect the Wolves to make any offer to him however.

-Sebastian Telfair: Telfair is the only Timberwolves free agent this offseason.  He was a third-string point guard for the Wolves this season.  He last played against the Indiana Pacers in the game when Kevin Love broke the double-double streak (I was actually at this game!!!).  Telfair did get a lot of playing time early in the season when Jonny Flynn was still recovering from his offseason hip surgery.  He even got a few starts when starter Luke Ridnour had a hamstring injury.  There is absolutely no doubt that the Timberwolves won’t be bringing back Bassy!

-Marcus Banks: Throughout Banks’ NBA career, Marcus has simply been a trade chip.  From Boston to Minnesota to Phoenix to Miami back to Phoenix, then back to Miami to Toronto and finally to New Orleans.  Without a doubt-an NBA journeyman.  Used mainly as a VERY deep reserve, I wouldn’t be surprised if no one comes  looking to make him an offer this season.

-Mike Bibby: Bibby was traded just before the NBA Trade Deadline this season from Atlanta to Washington.  In a deal that also featured rookie Jordan Crawford and forward Maurice Evans to Washington and Washington’s Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to Atlanta.  Bibby was later waived by Washington after just a game and was picked up by the Miami Heat.  He’s still a valuable combo guard, but if he plays well enough in the playoffs, I’d expect the Heat to offer him another contract.

-Carlos Arroyo: Arroyo was signed by the Miami Heat this summer, but when the Heat decided to sign Mike Bibby around the Trade Deadline, he was waived by the Heat.  Arroyo was able to sign on with another Eastern Conference contender: the Boston Celtics as a reserve behind Rajon Rondo and Delonte West.  I’d expect him to be able to sign on with another team, however, like most of these free agent point guards, I wouldn’t expect the Wolves to even contemplate making him an offer.

The Minnesota Timberwolves season is over.  It mercilessly came to an end a week ago in a 121-102 loss to the Houston Rockets.  With that, today we’re taking a look at our roster and handing out a few awards of our own, specifically for the Timberwolves!

First off, the Most Valuable Player for the Wolves this season.  This one’s a no brainer, the Wolves’ MVP=Kevin Love.  A first-time all-star, set a new record for consecutive double-doubles since the ABA/NBA merger (53), lead the league in total rebounds and rebounds per game and is the likely candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year!  Love expanded his game this year with the three-point shot and with Big Al out of the picture, Love got a bump in minutes and his production skyrocketed.  He lead the Wolves and the League in rebounds and rebounds per game as well as leading the Wolves in points per game.  Kevin Love is your Timberwolves MVP!

Most Improved Player: This is also a no-brainer.  The likely candidate to win the League MIP is Kevin Love, the winner of the Wolves MIP is…KEVIN LOVE!  With a bump in minutes came a big bump in his stats as well as his popularity in Minnesota and in the League!

Most Disappointing Player: Any Timberwolves fan could name this one right off the bat, it was and is without a doubt the second-year guard Jonny Flynn.  Offseason hip surgery saw him miss the first part of the season.  Upon his return, we (Wolves fans) had high expectations for Flynn to take over his starting spot from Ridnour and thrive and improve upon his rookie year.  Those high expectations were not met, not even close, disappointing; it was beyond disappointing.  Needless to say with Rubio on his way, Ridnour on the books for another 3 years and a strong chance of Irving being our first pick, I think it’s more than safe to say Flynn has played his last game for the TWolves game.

“Best” Reserve: There are certainly a few more candidates for this one.  The Wolves got great performances from Anthony Randolph, Anthony Tolliver & Martell Webster.  They were certainly the three best reserves on this team, but lets try and weed some of these guys out.  First off, Randolph didn’t join the Wolves till just before the Trade Deadline, so he played less than half a season for the Wolves, although that time was solid I think we can eliminate him.  Both Martell Webster and Anthony Tolliver were down with separate injuries during the season, but both were key contributors for the Wolves.  Martell Webster was in and out with his performance.  Anthony Tolliver wasn’t a big offensive player or really a great defensive player, but every time he got out there he hustle and worked extremely hard.  My “best”/key reserve goes to first-year Timberwolf Anthony Tolliver.

“Mr. Hustle”: No more than 2 sentences ago I gave you my pick for “Mr. Hustle”.  Anthony Tolliver got out there every night and according to almost every Wolves reporter he was the hardest working man on the roster.  In early, out late, a desire to succeed and the determination to put in the time.  Anthony Tolliver is your Timberwolves “Mr. Hustle”!

Those are your award-winners, that’s all for now.  Stay tuned all summer for some updates on your favorite sports team.  We’ll also be bringing you some player biographies, coaching updates, free agent outlooks, CBA updates, draft outlook(s), the Wolves’ biggest needs & we’ll take a look and keep you up to date on what all your favorite Wolves players and what they’re working on this summer.  Stay tuned, until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!!

UPDATE: According to ESPN NBA, UNC-forward Harrison Barnes has decided to return for his sophomore season and bypass the 2011 NBA Draft.  Barnes had this to say, “As a team, we’re preparing for a special season.  My offseason plans are to diligently work on honing my basketball skills in all areas with one team-goal in mind—to bring the 2012 National Championship home to UNC.”  With this, Barnes is now a No. 1 or 2 prospect for the 2012 NBA Draft.  (UPDATE: Monday April 18, 2011 2:47pmCT).

The Timberwolves’ season mercifully came to an end earlier this week as they fell to the Houston Rockets 121-102 and finished the season on a 15-game losing streak and with a 17-65 record.

While the TWolves were getting beat by the Rockets, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Washington Wizards, putting the Wolves in lone possession of the League’s worse record.

With that awful record, the Timberwolves have the best mathematical chance at snagging the top pick in the Draft this summer.  There’s a 25% chance that they’ll be able to obtain the #1 pick, however, they could drop as far as #4 in the Draft.

There’s a number of different players they could select in the Draft, but we’ll take a look a the potential top 4 picks for the Timberwolves.

#1 Kyrie Irving: If the Timberwolves do indeed grab the top pick in the Draft, there’s almost no doubt from anyone that they’ll take Kyrie Irving.  He’d be a terrific talent at the point guard and they’d almost certainly trade away Jonny Flynn.  With Ridnour on the roster and Rubio, reportedly intending on coming over for next season, they may have to move a few pieces around.  He’s got a high basketball IQ and a toughness on defense that makes him a good athlete.

#2 Harrison Barnes: There’s no word yet on whether or not Barnes will indeed decide to enter the Draft.  Indications are he is intending to go back to North Carolina next season, but if we have the #2 pick and he’s available, there’s no doubt the Wolves will heavily consider Barnes.  Barnes has great potential as well as a great mid-range and 3-point game.

#3 Derrick Williams: Williams is a lot like Beasley and is a proven scorer in college basketball.  If we slide to #3, I’d expect the Timberwolves to take the Arizona product.  Though we’ve got a bevy of talent and potential at the forward positions already.  He is a bit of a tweener, but he’s got a great jump shot and the ability to score from nearly any spot on the court.  

#4 Enes Kanter: With Perry Jones and Jared Sullinger both returning to school, Enes Kanter is the most likely 4th pick for the Timberwolves.  It is highly unlikely, in fact it’s a 75% chance that the Wolves won’t fall beyond the 3rd pick.  Enes Kanter could potentially be the starting center for the Wolves if drafted.  He is just 6-10, but he’s tough, physical, can even handle the ball and score from just about anywhere. The Turkey-native is somewhat un-athletic, but Kanter is a great potential with some people drawing comparisons to Andrew Bogut.

The Timberwolves will certainly get a good talent in the upcoming draft and someone that should be a valuable part of the Wolves’ future.  The Wolves’ biggest question marks remain at the point guard and center positions.  The fact is however, the Wolves are going to take the best talent available, whatever the pick.

More updates and stories will be made available on this site, before and after the Draft Lottery and of course before and after the Draft.  Until then thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!  Enjoy the NBA playoffs!!