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Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2018 NBA Draft big board 1.0

By Brian Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 24: Minnesota Timberwolves 2016 NBA Draft Pick Kris Dunn is introduced to the media by Tom Thibodeau. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 24: Minnesota Timberwolves 2016 NBA Draft Pick Kris Dunn is introduced to the media by Tom Thibodeau. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

10. Keita Bates-Diop, PF, Ohio State

It may seem a bit odd to see a power forward check in on these big board rankings, but he’s the only one. I promise.

With Nemanja Bjelica becoming a free agent after this season, albeit a restricted free agent, the Timberwolves would be wise to shore up their frontcourt in case of his departure.

At 6-foot-7, Bates-Diop can guard multiple positions and do it effectively, something Thibodeau will value for sure. He also plays with an extremely high-motor, a key ingredient we’ve seen missing in the last couple of games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. If the Timberwolves can acquire that high-energy guy off the bench, it would be a nice void to fill.

Offensively, he’s shown the ability to step out to the three-point line and knock down the shot with some consistency. If he can continue to do that, he will improve his stock dramatically.

As a four-year player, he’s not likely to climb the boards very much leading up to the draft, but he could be a player who’s ready to contribute right away, and that would benefit the Timberwolves tremendously.

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