Minnesota Timberwolves all-time draft bust starting 5
By Tyler Watts
SG: Jarrett Culver
The Timberwolves did not technically make this selection. They moved up to sixth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft to take Culver, and it cost them Dario Saric and the 11th overall pick. Minnesota wanted a 6’6 wing with star potential, but the pick quickly turned into a bust.
Culver played 23.9 minutes per game as a rookie and that remains his career-high. The 24-year-old still has time to improve, but he played just ten games last season before being waived by the Hawks. Minnesota traded him with Juan Hernangomez for Patrick Beverley, which was a massive win. Still, Culver was a massive bust.
The 2019 NBA Draft class was not strong, but Tyler Herro, Cam Johnson, Jordan Poole, Grant Williams, Keldon Johnson, Kevin Porter Jr., and Nic Claxton were all still on the board when Minnesota picked. All six of those players would help the current Timberwolves, and there are multiple wings among that group. Minnesota just picked the wrong prospect, and they are still playing for that mistake.
The Timberwolves had no shortage of options at this position, including Josh Okogie, Corey Brewer, Rashad McCants, and Ndubi Ebi, but Jarrett Culver took the spot because he was the sixth overall pick and looks to be out of the league after just four years.