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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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA draft (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Tyus Jones

If you do not pay too much attention to players coming off the bench the impact of a guy like Tyus Jones may go unnoticed. For a quick example take a look at how quickly the Memphis Grizzlies struggled in the bubble once their backup point guard was not available.

The numbers for Tyus Jones do not lead to this conclusion if you simply look at the box score. Over four seasons in Minnesota Jones averaged 5.1 points, 3.3 assists, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. In Memphis this season he increased this to 7.4 points, 4.4 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game in just 19 minutes per game.

Jones is a perfect backup point guard and was the stabilizing force off the bench for a Memphis team that sorely missed him once he was out of the lineup. He is an improving 3-point shooter and plays like a veteran already for someone so young. Timberwolves fans were rightfully upset when the team moved on from him last year in restricted free agency, not willing to match his 3-year $26 million dollar offer sheet.

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Further solidifying his place on this list is the inability to crush them for who they picked at this spot. Some of the second-round choices from this season (Cedi Osman, Montrezl Harrell, Josh Richardson, Norman Powell) have been better but took development. Jones has not been given the opportunities they have but is finally starting to find his role.

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