Two Words for Depressed Timberwolves Fans: Jahlil Okafor
By Nick Fritz
I figured the attention of Timberwolves fans would shift to draft position at some point this season. Did I think it would be in December? No. However, after a catastrophic Christmas month in which the team went 1-14, even the slightest hopes of contention have burned up in the raging dumpster fire.
So, here we go again; bringing in the New Year with draft speculation.
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The Wolves are in an interesting spot. As Ricky Rubio and Kevin Martin filter back into the line up, the team is going to start winning more games. This will obviously hurt draft position, which is currently projected number 2 or 3. They will also have a tough time keeping up with the putridity of Brooklyn and Philadelphia, who seem to have completely thrown in the towel. At least the Timberwolves have injuries as an excuse. Those teams just don’t care.
However, at 5-26, the highly coveted #1 draft pick is well within reach. Under the lottery system, the 11 worst teams in the league have a shot at the top pick. This is done so the NBA can avoid teams bombing the season on purpose for the a better spot. Although it seems Philly missed the memo on that. Last year, Cleveland had the 9th worst record but was awarded the #1 pick (to no conspirator’s surprise).
If everything goes correctly and the Wolves have their pick of anyone in college basketball — welcome to Minnesota, Jahlil Okafor.
A 6-11, 270 pound freshman for Duke, Okafor is a beast inside and would fit right in at center for Flip Saunders. He’s currently averaging 19 and 9 for the Blue Devils, who have yet to lose a game. If I had to give an NBA comparison, it would be Al Jefferson. According to bleacher report, “Okafor’s primary appeal stems from his polished, advanced post game, which has been unstoppable so far through eight games. And it’s his ability to consistently create quality looks for himself that fuels his NBA value. Okafor is at his best playing with his back to the basket. With overwhelming strength to gain position, textbook footwork to separate and giant, soft hands that make the rim seem wider than it is, Okafor has established himself as a high-percentage option to feed against a set defense.”
Another possible Timberwolf-to-be is Karl-Anthony Towns, a 6-11 center out of Kentucky. He wouldn’t provide as much low-post scoring ability, but exceeds as a two-way player and rebounder. Towns doesn’t get as much hype as Okafor, however some scouts think he will turn out to be the more effective NBA player.
Either way, the Timberwolves need help. Ricky Rubio, Andrew Wiggins and Shabazz Muhammed are players you can build a team around. But there’s a long way to go. Let’s just hope they don’t screw everything up by winning too many games.
Jan 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders reacts to a call in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports