Missing the playoffs isn’t as bad as it sounds for the Timberwolves
After the Timberwolves lost their best player to injury, it sure looked as if they could miss the playoffs, seeing as how strong the Western Conference is this season. But, missing out wouldn’t be as bad as it seems and here’s why…
Now, before we get started, I want to make it clear that I’m not saying I want the Minnesota Timberwolves to miss the playoffs. It’s been way too long since they’ve played into the postseason and it would be nice to see them back in it.
What I’m saying, however, is that if they were to hypothetically miss it, then it wouldn’t be as bad as it may seem. To sum things up, I’m saying that the 2018 NBA Draft is super loaded with talent.
This is one of the deepest and most talented draft classes in recent memory. Obviously, it would be hard to beat the 2003 NBA Draft class, but this upcoming draft is very impressive. If you haven’t followed the college basketball season or looked at players that will likely be entering the draft this summer, then you need to stop what you’re doing and look at some talent.
The 2018 class has me drooling over some of the talent that will be available. Players that go late in the first round would be players going in the lottery in any other draft. There’s even players in the second round that are going to be worth paying attention to.
Assuming that the Oklahoma City Thunder make the playoffs, the Wolves would be looking at two first round picks if they don’t make the playoffs; more than likely the Thunder pick will be in the range of Nos. 19-25. For this draft, that’s a very valuable pick to have.
Some notable names that could fall to the Wolves at the Thunder pick:
- Chandler Hutchinson
- Khyri Thomas
- Daniel Gafford
- Mitchell Robinson
- Troy Brown
There are plenty of other notable names to watch, but I won’t bore you with an entire list of players. Hypothetically, it would be assumed that if the Wolves’ did miss the playoffs – that they would be picking No. 13 or 14.
]A list of players that they could be getting at that position include:
- Kevin Knox
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Collin Sexton
- Lonnie Walker IV
- Miles Bridges
- Mikal Bridges
- Gary Trent, Jr.
Sexton drastically improved his draft stock during his SEC tournament. Personally, I believe that he is the best guard in draft. (Trae Young seems a little overrated just because he can shoot it really well.)
Much like Sexton, Gilgeous-Alexander had an amazing tournament and end to the regular season. He started off being the guy coming off the bench; working hard and knocking his way into the starting lineup and even flirting with becoming Kentucky’s best player.
Related Story: Where do the Wolves stand in the West playoff race?
Mikal Bridges probably would be gone by that point, but there are times where teams stretch for players or even make jaw-dropping picks. So, there’s a world where he could possibly fall, but, with his talent it seems unlikely.
Lonnie Walker IV is a player who has improved his stock, showing his ability to knock down the 3-ball. His hard work and constant motor should allow him to become a solid NBA player. Miles Bridges has been great for Michigan State, too. He’s shown his ability to be a leader and make clutch plays.
Could Minnesota even get another player from Apple Valley? The answer is … YES! Trent, Jr. has been a fantastic player for Duke and should be name to watch if Minnesota misses the playoffs.
The draft is loaded and there are so many players that I would love to see on the Wolves roster. I could go on and on about how good this draft will be, but you don’t want to read thousands of words.
Next: Will the Butler-less Wolves make the playoffs?
Minnesota has been great this year and if it wasn’t for a loaded Western Conference and a misfortune of an injury to All-Star Jimmy Butler, then it would be very likely that they would make the playoffs. If they were to miss out on the playoffs, the bright side is that Minnesota would likely have two first round picks in arguably one of the most impressive classes in recent memory.