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Minnesota Timberwolves: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring the go ahead basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center January 19 2017, in Los Angeles, California. Timberwolves defeated the Clippers, 104-101. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring the go ahead basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center January 19 2017, in Los Angeles, California. Timberwolves defeated the Clippers, 104-101. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA draft
Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA draft (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

9. Shabazz Muhammad

While the pick did not work out taking a chance on Shabazz Muhammad was the right choice at the time. In high school, he was a prolific scorer and was named Player of the Year by multiple award committees. In his one season in college, he was an elite scorer and looked to have potential as a future star.

Then the reports came out that he lied about his age and he was actually a year older than expected. Not only did that cut into his future potential by one year it also called into question just how dominant he really was given that advantage since beginning his playing career.

He would only appear in more than 40 games twice over five seasons with the team. His final career averages for his time in Minnesota came out to 9.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game with shooting splits of .470/.317/.747.

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The hype on Muhammad died long before he ended up in Minnesota but that does not make the pick much better. While it would be easy to point out that Giannis Antetokounmpo went just one pick later there was no telling he would have the growth spurt that he did. Muhammad had a rough career and would not have lived up to even lower standards. The only saving grace is that they traded back for him and another pick.

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