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Timberwolves Draft Review: Good the Wolves passed on Curry?

By Max Neuhaus

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: The Minnesota Timberwolves reveal their new logo during halftime against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 11, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: The Minnesota Timberwolves reveal their new logo during halftime against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 11, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 28: Minnesota Timberwolves 2013 NBA Draft Picks Shabazz Muhammad (14th) and Gorgui Dieng (21st) are introduced to the media by Phil ‘Flip’ Saunders, President of Basketball Operations on June 28, 2013 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 28: Minnesota Timberwolves 2013 NBA Draft Picks Shabazz Muhammad (14th) and Gorgui Dieng (21st) are introduced to the media by Phil ‘Flip’ Saunders, President of Basketball Operations on June 28, 2013 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2013 Draft

After trading their first round selection in 2012 for Chase Budinger, the 2013 draft marked the first draft that former bench boss Flip Saunders was the one making the decisions. The coach that brought the 2004 Wolves to the Western Conference Finals was definitely a fan favorite. Those same fans were just excited to move on from David Kahn and his, let’s just say spotty, track record.

With his first pick, Saunders chose a player who had Minnesota fans scratching their heads: Michigan guard Trey Burke. With multiple point guards on the roster already, it felt like a stretch.

With many fans still scratching their heads, the former Gopher worked his magic and swapped Burke for two players that could help immediately in Gorgui Dieng and Shabazz Muhammad.  

This was a draft day move that paid dividends for the Wolves. Muhammad was one of the best bench players on the team during his tenure with Minnesota until he became a free agent this off-season.  

Dieng looks to be an integral part of this season with the Wolves looking to snap their 13-year playoff drought.  He is in the discussion for starting this season over Thibs favorite Taj Gibson. His shot has been improving every year he has been in the league. He has had a steady improvement every year and looks to be a very important part to a very good team during the 2017-2018 season.

This draft marked the first real sign of progress for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Actually winning a draft day trade and making their team better both short and long-term.

While 2013 seemed like a win for the Wolves, 2014 would be a slam dunk…

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