2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Ricky Rubio/Lorenzo Brown
SG: Kevin Martin/Zach LaVine
SF: Andrew Wiggins/Shabazz Muhammad/Chase Budinger
PF: Anthony Bennett/Adreian Payne
C: Nikola Pekovic/Gorgui Dieng
2015 Free Agents
G Jorge Gutierrez (RFA)
C Justin Hamilton (RFA)
C Arinze Onuaku (RFA)
F Robbie Hummel (RFA)
PF Kevin Garnett
G Gary Neal
2015 Draft Picks
1-1
2-1(31)
2-6(36) via Sacramento
Team Needs
The Timberwolves have two definitive foundational pieces in Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio to go along with several young, inexperienced talents that could become part of that foundation if they continue to develop. On the court, Minnesota utilizes a lot of post-ups, so shooting and spacing are crucial to success. The lack of said shooting last season contributed to Minnesota's offensive woes; "lack" is an appropriate term: Minnesota finished dead last in both makes and attempts from behind the 3-point line. If the Wolves resign Kevin Garnett, their starting lineup will essential be set; however, they may try to trade both Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Martin. Pekovic would be replaced with the number 1 pick, whether is be Karl Towns or Jahlil Okafor, but if Martin is traded, a need at shooting guard would open up. A strong spot-up shooting 2-guard would be a tremendous boon to Minnesota's offense.
Potential Fits
With the number 1 pick, Minnesota needs to take whomever they think the best prospect is; we can debate whether that prospect actually is the best, but not the process behind the selection. With their two early second round picks, shooting needs to be a priority. Anthony Brown of Stanford can ably defend both wing positions and is a 40%+ 3-point shooter; there is a good chance he will be available then. Cyprien international Aleksandar Vezenkov isn't a shooting guard, but he might be the best shooter in the whole draft, though there is a chance he won't be coming to the NBA right away. Florida's Michael Frazier is another excellent shooter, but at 6-4 he lacks ideal shooting guard size, which will likely contribute to his availability in the second round. There are some questions about UNLV's Rashad Vaughn's ability to make 3s, but he shot a good percentage as a Freshman and is just 18; however he may be drafted in the late first. If Minnesota is able to trade for another first rounder this season, both Kentucky's Devin Booker and R.J. Hunter of Georgia State would be great fits. Because of Ricky Rubio's size and ability to defend 2-guards, a non-traditional option like point guard Cameron Payne of Murray State could work.
Mock
1. Towns/Okafor
31. Johnathan Holmes, F, Texas
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