NBA Team Needs 2011 – Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA Draft Blog Team Needs series continues to take a look at each teams various draft scenarios.  The Minnesota Timberwolves are up with two first round picks (#2 and #20), to go along with the news that 2009 first rounder Ricky Rubio is coming to play next season.  As the team looks to build around Rubio and Kevin Love, what are their options? Let’s take a look at the Timberwolves’ needs:

Returning Players–  Michael Beasley (F), Martell Webster (G), Darko Milicic (F/C), Luke Ridnour (G), Nikola Pekovic (F), Wes Johnson (F), Kevin Love (F), Jonny Flynn (G), Anthony Tolliver (G), Anthony Randolph (F), Wayne Ellington (G)

Additions – Ricky Rubio (G)

Team Needs– Defense, Perimeter Slasher/Shooter

Position Needs – SG, C

Picks –  Round 1, Pick 2 (#2)

                Round 1, Pick 20 (#20) (From Memphis via Utah)

Analysis– Another year, another Timberwolves lottery pick.  The recent news that Ricky Rubio will come over to play next season, whenever it happens, should help generate enthusiasm in Minnesota, but it will take more than that to turn this team around.  While Derrick Williams doesn’t necessarily fit a specific need for the team, when you are building a team, you take the best talent available which will present you more options down the road.  The only other conceivable option would be if the Wolves think Enes Kanter could provide them the true low-post presence they need, which may not exactly fit with a forward trio of Love, Beasley and Williams.

Later in the first round, the Timberwolves can address one of their needs, shooting and defense.  Defensively, they could hope that Chris Singleton or Kenneth Faried, two of the best defensive players in the draft are available.  They can also look to add a big man such as Nikola Vucevic.  However, having already taken Williams, they may opt to look for perimeter scoring over another forward.   Tyler Honeycutt is one option, though his shooting leaves some to be desired, and Marshon Brooks may be a bit of a stretch this high.  They could hope that Jordan Hamilton slides to them here.  A lot of this leaves the speculation that they may look to trade this pick firmly in place.

Again, it’s the Timberwolves, so is it really worth speculating what they will do – chances are it won’t.  Make sure to check back tonight for a look at the Utah Jazz.  Leave your comments, email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com, and follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog