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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 NBA Draft Options at No. 13 Overall

By Jackson Sanders

Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) celebrates defeating Xavier Musketeers in the semifinals of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Creighton Bluejays defeat Xavier Musketeers 86-78. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) celebrates defeating Xavier Musketeers in the semifinals of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Creighton Bluejays defeat Xavier Musketeers 86-78. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Prospect #3: Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State

Mar 20, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Adreian Payne (5) dribbles against Delaware Fightin Blue Hens forward Carl Baptiste (33) in the first half of a men
Mar 20, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Adreian Payne (5) dribbles against Delaware Fightin Blue Hens forward Carl Baptiste (33) in the first half of a men /

Why he’s the pick: Payne is an athletic big man with range on his jump shot. He brings quickness at the power forward position, and is a solid defender and rebounder; all things that the Timberwolves could use. In the event of a Kevin Love trade, Payne could step in as the starter at the 4 position almost immediately. He is a stretch 4 who could make an impact off the bench for Minnesota in his rookie season.

Why he’s not: Scouts are concerned that though he is athletic, he did not usually use it to his advantage in college, particularly in the shot blocking department. He also plays the same position as the franchise’s best player; not usually a way to get solid playing time. There are also questions about Payne’s fit in an up-tempo system, with reports of diminished lung capacity.

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