Pro: Perfect fit
Outside of Isaac, Markkanen fits with the current Timberwolves roster better than any other player.
The Wolves appear to be looking for a big man to pair with Towns in the starting lineup while moving Dieng to the bench. Perhaps a true power-forward would fit best with Towns, while also allowing Dieng to slide back to his natural position at center?
According to Basketball-Reference, Towns played 100 percent of his minutes at the center position last year. This is a slight increase over the 98 percent during his rookie season.
Dieng, on the other hand, has seen his minutes at center almost completely depreciate, especially in the past two seasons. He has gone from playing 100 percent of the time at center his rookie year to 88 percent to 47 percent and finally to 18 percent last season.
Drafting Markkanen would allow the rookie to slide in next to Towns in the starting lineup and help space the floor for the big man. It will lead to Markkanen’s defender having to choose between helping out on Towns and leaving Markkanen open on the perimeter or sticking close to Markkanen and allowing Towns space to go one-on-one, a nearly impossible task for any defender.
One of Markkanen’s weaknesses is his ability to rebound the basketball. By playing alongside Towns, this weakness will be somewhat masked considering how Towns is a beast on the boards.
The Wolves would have to get more out of Wiggins in that department as he only averaged 3.9 rebounds per 36 minutes last season.
Dieng would also be able to thrive in the backup center role where he can go against second-tier big men. A four-man frontcourt rotation of Dieng, Towns, Markkanen and Nemanja Bjelica offers the Wolves great depth and versatility.