Minnesota Timberwolves: 2017 NBA Draft Grade
The Minnesota Timberwolves made a huge splash in the 2017 NBA draft.
Tom Thibodeau got his man tonight. Veteran NBA all-star Jimmy Butler was acquired by the Timberwolves in exchange for Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, and the seventh pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
Alongside Butler, the front office also received Justin Patton – C/Creighton, who was taken with the 16th pick in the draft. Standing tall at 7-feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, Patton averaged 12.9 points per game with a 25.3 player efficiency rating. You can check out his DraftExpress profile here.
Various draft experts think that the 20-year-old Patton is a raw prospect who will take some time to adjust to the NBA. However, Patton’s mix of size and athletic ability means many scouts think his upside potential is very high.
Patton joins a crowded front court which includes the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Gorgui Dieng, Cole Aldrich, and Jordan Hill.
More from Dunking with Wolves
- The dream starting 5 for Minnesota Timberwolves 5 years from now
- Anthony Edwards’ latest accolade is a great sign of things to come
- In an OT thriller, Team Canada snatches Bronze from Team USA
- Timberwolves start, bench, cut: Mike Conley, Shake Milton, Jordan McLaughlin
- Which Timberwolves roster additions have upgraded the bench?
The acquisition of Jimmy Butler sent shockwaves around the league on Thursday night. The Timberwolves landed a clear veteran leader who excels at scoring the ball and stifling defense.
As a three-time All-Star, Butler is coming off of a career year in which he averaged 23.9 points per game alongside 6.2 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists per game. By landing a top 15 NBA player in terms of player efficiency the Timberwolves filled their need for veteran leadership.
With the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves front office signaled to the rest of the NBA that they are ready to contend immediately. Now it’s up to the front office to continue this aggressive display in free agency on July 1.
The Timberwolves will look to add defense and 3-point shooters via free agency this year. The front office will now have an attractive core and cap flexibility in order to lure free agents to Minnesota.
On the other hand Chicago gets a solid package of young assets.
There is no doubt that Zach LaVine is one of the most explosive young talents in the NBA. In LaVine, Chicago gets a high flyer who has increased his scoring output in each of his three seasons in the NBA.
After a rough first year, Kris Dunn leaves Minnesota with more question marks than answers. Alongside Lavine and Dunn, the Timberwolves selected Lauri Markkanen with the seventh pick for Chicago.
Jimmy Butler Trade: A
Huge move for the Timberwolves which could excel them to the playoffs and beyond.
Justin Patton Selection: B+
Good front court prospect with long term potential who provides depth. I would have liked to see a shooter here but good value in Patton with who was left on the board at 16.
Overall Draft Night Grade: A
Scott Layden wasn’t kidding when he said tonight could be a historic night. The Timberwolves front office capitalized in delivering a scary message to the rest of the league.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: Quickly grading the Jimmy Butler trade
Jimmy Butler is about to run with the pack. Get excited Wolves nation, because the time is now.