Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 options for pick No. 11 in 2019 NBA Draft

2. Rui Hachimura

According to the Observer’s Rick Bonnell, the Timberwolves are likely to take Rui Hachimura if he is still available when they are set to choose at no. 11. Hachimura averaged 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds on 59.1 percent from the field for Gonzaga this past season. He also shot 41.7 percent from 3-point range, albeit on 1.0 attempts per game.

Rui is skilled around the rim and has a polished post game, and could join center Karl Anthony Town as the future of the frontcourt. He is also able to run the floor in transition and hit the occasional 3-pointer, making him a good fit in the modern era. He can consistently make shots from the mid-range as well.

The Timberwolves currently have Taj Gibson and Dario Saric as power forwards to go alongside Towns. Gibson, 33, started 57 games but doesn’t space the floor well for Towns. He will be a free agent, and if they can bring him back he is much better suited as a backup at this stage in his career.
Hachimura also provides a more physical presence on defense than Saric, who averaged only 23.9 minutes in 68 games with the T-Wolves. He provides length as well, with a 7’2” wingspan.

Hachimura was also a leader in his junior season with Gonzaga and could contribute to a culture reset in Minnesota, which could really use it as the young core has not experienced winning outside of the 2017-18 season led by Jimmy Butler. He welcomes the pressure of likely being the first Japanese player taken in the first round and wants to make an impact both on and off the court.