The Minnesota Timberwolves need defense. Lots and lots of defense. Onyeka Okongwu brings just that — at an extremely high level. Karl-Anthony Towns is an elite offensive player. He is a true three-level scorer that has the ability to affect any game. That said, he also is downright bad on the defensive end. Okongwu being the rim-protector with the mobility he has would drastically improve the overall floor of the Timberwolves’ defense.
Offensively, Okongwu brings enough to ensure he will be able to have a role (and not just sit in the corner). He is a great offensive post player and has the quickness and foot speed to get to the rim very well. While Okongwu is a boring selection for an already-exciting Minnesota team, he would be the right pick in this case, should he be available.
The fit between Okongwu and Towns is one of the best in this draft. There is a lot to like about adding a big defensive presence (that can also switch onto smaller players) onto a team that has potential to be a top-ten offense in 2020-21.