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Minnesota Timberwolves: Pros/cons to Timberwolves drafting Markelle Fultz

By Brian Sampson

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) reacts to a foul call against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Oregon defeated Washington, 83-61. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) reacts to a foul call against the Oregon Ducks during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Oregon defeated Washington, 83-61. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Inconsistent defense

We all know the Minnesota Timberwolves struggled with inconsistent defense last year. I might even be too nice by phrasing it that way.

After one year at Washington, Markelle Fultz didn’t show that he would do anything to help change that stigma for the Timberwolves.

Given Fultz’ huge wingspan and athletic abilities, he has the potential to be a good defender at the NBA level.

However, his effort waned throughout his freshman year.

It is hard to determine what his lack of steady effort should be attributed to as there are multiple factors that could go into play.

One of those factors may be the because he was on a bad team with no shot at making the NCAA tournament.

While some of us may believe that shouldn’t affect a players effort, we would be lying if we said it didn’t play a factor. Why give 100 percent all the time when you know it’s still going to result in a loss?

Another attributing factor could be due to Fultz being asked to carry a heavy load on offense. It is extremely difficult to average 36 minutes per game while shouldering the whole load on both sides of the ball. Fultz needed to find his rest somewhere.

Now, if he were to be drafted by Minnesota he would not need to carry such a heavy load, especially on offense. Fultz would be a complimentary player to Towns and Wiggins instead of the go-to guy.

Tom Thibodeau’s already trying to teach the young Wolves how to play consistently on the defensive end of the floor. If Fultz were to join the team you could add him to that list as well.