Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 reasons Keita Bates-Diop was a good pick

 The Minnesota Timberwolves had a very good 2018 NBA Draft, selecting Keita Bates-Diop in the second round. Here are three reasons he was a good pick.

The Minnesota Timberwolves had two draft picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, No. 20 and No. 48. With their first round pick, they selected Georgia Tech guard Josh Okogie. It was a good pick and one that fills the Wolves’ needs desperately.

But how about the guy they were able to snag at No. 48? Keita Bates-Diop was the Wolves’ second round pick in the draft and he could be their best selection in a few years. That all depends on how both he and Okogie develop.

Based on mock drafts and everything leading up to the big night, all signs pointed to Bates-Diop being a first round pick, if not an early second selection. Most likely, he fell because of his age after deciding to play all four years at Ohio State.

His senior year is when he really blossomed. The first three years were sort of hit or miss, but he finally figured it out in his senior year. In that year, he averaged 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.

He’s a two-way player that can shoot the ball as well. Using his 6’9″, 223-pound frame, Bates-Diop is able to shoot from anywhere and hound his opponents on defense. Because of his experience and the Wolves’ desperate need for wing depth, he should be able to contribute right away.

Here’s a look at three reasons Bates-Diop was a good pick for the Wolves at No. 48.