[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

There is no clear cut number one player in this draft. Before the draft the popular opinion was that whoever was taken first would depend on who was making the pick. Now that we know that it’s Minnesota most people assume they will go with a wing player (likely Anthony Edwards) to supplement their core of Russell and towns. This makes sense for a host of reasons. The wolves already have an All-NBA caliber center and are thin on wing talent, especially if Beasley leaves in free agency or jarret culver doesn’t pan out.
So why would the wolves draft another center, especially when the league in general is trending toward smaller lineups? I think it makes sense because wiseman’s strengths could supplement some of towns weaknesses. The wolves major weaknesses have been on the defensive side of ball and towns has proven himself incapable of anchoring a top level defense. I know there is limited tape of wiseman at a high level, but he at least has all the physical attributes of an elite defender. While having wiseman on the floor could potentially crowd the paint for towns post ups, he is talented enough offensively to figure it out, especially if you surround them with enough shooting.
Would taking wiseman first overall be risky? Absolutely. He is very unproven. The safe move that would lead to the least amount of second guessing would be to take a wing. But the truth is that there isn’t really a “safe” top selection in this draft. The chance that whoever is drafted first could wind up a bust is much higher than usual this year. So I think that the wolves best bet is to take the prospect with the most long-term potential. Based on what I’ve seen, I still believe that prospect is wiseman right now.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Timberwolves want to add Booker. If not this year next year. They just want to roll with D-Lo and Towns and give them whatever they want. The pick will be Edwards.

[armchairgmParticipant]

Timberwolves will take Edwards or trade back a few spots and pick up some assets and draft Toppin.

[bt102Participant]

I actually don’t see them doing this. Mainly because Wiseman will be getting paid more than players like JaVale McGee who can probably do wait Wiseman does, which is the primary reason why I think he will fall on draft night. Rosas was brought in by the Houston Rockets, so he knows the value of the 3 Pointer. While it may make sense, if they take a big, it’s Okongwu. He does what Kat lacks and Kat does what he lacks. This should be the guy they go for as he can play PF too. I know he can’t shoot, but it makes more sense since he is a good defender with Bam like potential rather than Toppin is dreadful on defense. I know he is way more flashy, but the fact he is the same age as some of the seniors right now, I think hurts his ceiling. It’s either take Edwards at #1, or Trade down a couple spots and get Okongwu, or someone like Devin Vassell or Saddiq Bey.

[airguytonParticipant]

Anthony edwards is the pick or lamelo ball. U already have your starting bigman now u need good or very good guard play.

[canadabasketballisrisingParticipant]

They will take Edwards and this is the right pick.
The draft doesn’t start until 3. Ball is obvious, but Jordan’s track record…
like i said should offer the knicks the 3rd pick for RJ and the 8th pick.

[sniperParticipant]

No.

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

I don’t think they will take Wiseman. If you look at what they tried to do after picking up Russell and Beasley, I don’t think it meshes. Now, I think one can easily look at Wiseman, and see a taller and longer Jaren Jackson. A different front office could make it work. I just don’t think Minnesota want to pivot. It is the same argument why I do not see Obi Toppin as an option. While he shot 39 percent from three, if you just park him in a corner, it is a waste of his abilities. What has amazed me, though, is how little Malik Beasley’s name gets mentioned in discussions of what matters in Minnesota. He is a really talented offensive player, and I do not see Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball displacing him. Allowing Beasley to leave after moving up to the top slot in the draft is two steps back after taking one forward. Remember, they probably won’t have their pick in 2021. Trading down makes too much sense. Saddiq Bey makes the most sense. Devin Vassell makes some, though I think he is a level below Bey. If they can move James Johnson’s money so that they can keep Beasley, and if they can stay around the 6-10 range, they can at least have a team that fits what they want to do. I don’t think being a cover band version of the Mavs gets them to great heights, but it is clear that is what they want.

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