Top 10 Draft Picks in Timberwolves History
By Ben Beecken
Mar 4, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) attempts to drive around Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
#7 – Nikola Pekovic, Montenegro, #31 (1st pick, 2nd round) in 2008 draft
Just a couple of years ago, this looked like it could have been a top-three selection in franchise history.
Pekovic was a borderline All-Star and was forming a formidable frontline tandem with Kevin Love — the Bruise Brothers, as the Timberwolves’ marketing team nicknamed them. In fact, it was just recently, in 2012-13 and 2013-14, that Pekovic averaged a combined 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
But chronic ankle and foot issues are never good for a big man, and Pekovic succumbed late in the 2013-14 season and was plagued again last year. After undergoing a serious surgical procedure this past summer, Pekovic has yet to suit up this season.
Still, given the draft position and productivity that the Timberwolves did receive from the hulking Montenegrin, Pek still slots in at #7.
Next: #6 - Karl-Anthony Towns