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Minnesota Timberwolves: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

ByLuke Askew|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: (L-R) Jimmy Butler #23, Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Taj Gibson #67 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves head back to the bench for a timeout during overtime of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: (L-R) Jimmy Butler #23, Karl-Anthony Towns #32, Taj Gibson #67 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves head back to the bench for a timeout during overtime of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Rookie of the Year: Josh Okogie

There were basically two options for this award: Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop. Both players could have nice years for the Wolves, and while it’s possible that Bates-Diop ends up having the better career, I would bet on Okogie for the time being.

The Timberwolves drafted Josh Okogie with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He’s a 6’4″ wing with crazy athleticism and upside on both ends of the floor. His ability to defend the opposing team’s best player and also lead his team on offense is really what separates Okogie from other rookies.

Remind you of anybody?

It’s pretty clear what the Wolves were going for here. They got Jimmy Buckets 2.0.

The Wolves didn’t have a lottery pick this year (which is a good thing, since it means they won games), so don’t be surprised if none of their rookies is in the discussion for the Rookie of the Year award.

They don’t have anybody like Kevin Knox, Deandre Ayton or Luka Doncic. However, if anybody on the Wolves roster were to win the Rookie of the Year award, it would be Josh Okogie.

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