Minnesota Timberwolves: Will the Wolves draft the best player available?

Minnesota Timberwolves: Would the Wolves draft LaMelo Ball?

LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball is one of at least three prospects who have a legitimate shot at being the No. 1 overall pick. Of course, the Wolves still have a 14 percent shot at landing the top selection and a roughly 40 percent chance of staying in the top three spots, so considering Ball is certainly worth the conversation.

Ball is one of the few players in this draft with an NBA skill that could be at an All-Star level in his first or second year in the league, and it isn’t an entirely teachable skill, either. Ball’s court vision and playmaking ability are unparalleled in this draft class, and that alone could be enough to make him the top selection.

Ball is an outstanding passer and finisher in the lane, and the only real question marks surround his jump shot and defense — coincidentally two things that matter a lot to the Wolves. A Ball and Russell backcourt would be big and creative, and if one or both of them could turn into at least average defenders, a pairing could conceivably work.

Many of Ball’s skills would overlap with Russell, although the former’s superior athleticism and ability to finish in the paint could allow the two to work together on offense.

The guess here is that the defensive shortcomings and lack of a consistent outside shot would be enough for the Wolves to pass on Ball if they had the opportunity to pick him. But don’t underestimate the Wolves’ desire to get as many playmakers as possible on the court, either.