PF: Derrick Williams
The Timberwolves won 17 games in 2011 and had the worst record in the NBA, but they slipped to second overall in the lottery. Kevin Love made his first All-Star appearance, but the team needed a lot more talent if they wanted contend in the difficult Western Conference.
Minnesota went with Williams second overall, and they hoped the 6’8 forward would blossom into a star. He was coming off a dominant second college season where he was a consensus All-American.
Williams lasted just two and a half seasons with the Timberwolves, where he averaged 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game. He was traded for journeyman Luc Mbah a Moute in 2013 and bounced around the league for four more years. He last played in 2018 at just 26 years old.
The 2011 NBA Draft was chock-full of stars as Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Nikola Vucevic, Kemba Walker, and Isaiah Thomas all went after Williams. Kyrie Irving was the only player selected over the 6’8 forward. Imagine Kawhi joining the Wolves back in 2011.
This is arguably the Minnesota Timberwolves’ biggest draft blunder, but they have not missed more at a position than center.