Isaac Okoro pitches himself as possible Minnesota Timberwolves selection

Auburn’s Isaac Okoro wants the Minnesota Timberwolves to take him with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are most likely going to do one of three things with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Their top option is surely going to be trading the pick for an established NBA star and/or future draft picks. The second and third options are drafting either LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards, in some order.

If one of those three things doesn’t happen, it will be a mild shock. But there could always be a wild card player that the Wolves are considering at No. 1, ala Cleveland’s selection of Anthony Bennett in 2013.

Isaac Okoro pitches himself as possible Minnesota Timberwolves selection

Outside of Ball and Edwards, Memphis’ James Wiseman is the only other player that has been mocked at No. 1, either before or after the Wolves won the NBA Draft Lottery in August.

But every player wants to make a case for why they should get picked at No. 1. This week, Auburn’s Isaac Okoro made his pitch to Forbes’ Adam Zagoria, including some Wolves-specific comments related to his fit on Ryan Saunders’ squad.

"“Yes, I feel I should be the No. 1 pick because I go out every game and I compete and I give 100% effort,” Okoro said. “I’m just willing to do whatever any coaches want me to do, so I feel like me bringing a winning culture I should be the No. 1 pick.”…“I could see myself fitting in there, playing with D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns,” Okoro said. “I feel like I could come in there and play my role, do whatever the coach needs me to do in the game and just win.”"

Okoro’s right, he would be a nice fit as a big-bodied, defensive-minded wing. He’s an intelligent player that can be a key piece on defense immediately at the NBA level.

The only real drawbacks are his lack of a jump shot, as well as some other raw offensive skills. His best-case scenario might be a Jerami Grant type of player, although it took a few years as a pro for Grant’s offensive game to round into shape.

A floor for Okoro could be a slightly smaller version of former Timberwolf Luc Mbah a Moute, who was a truly impactful defender for a few years at the NBA level. Unfortunately, he was a consistent minus offensively.

Okoro, on the other hand, seems to have a higher upside on that end of the floor. He has solid touch in the paint and can finish through contact. It’s just a matter of adding something of a handle and a jumper to his game.

Realistically, however, the Wolves are not going to reach for a player who will almost certainly be on the board somewhere between No. 5 and No. 10. If Minnesota finds a suitable trade partner and moves backwards in the top 10, Okoro could absolutely be a target for Gersson Rosas and Co.

There’s no doubt that the Minnesota Timberwolves love the confidence in Okoro and his agent, speaking publicly about his belief that he’s the best prospect in this year’s draft.

If the Wolves end up trading back, keep an eye on Isaac Okoro.