Minnesota Timberwolves all-time draft bust starting 5
By Tyler Watts
C: Justin Patton
There were four worthy options for this spot, but Patton won out because of his lack of games. The 16th overall pick in 2017 played in just 22 total NBA games over four seasons. He saw action in just one for Minnesota as a rookie before being traded to Philadelphia in the Jimmy Butler deal.
Patton is only 26 years old and played for Cholet in France last season. The draft bust could return to the NBA at some point to change the narrative, but that does not appear to be happening anytime soon.
It is worth noting, Patton was technically drafted by Chicago, but he was part of the Butler trade that brought him to Minnesota. John Collins, Jarrett Allen, OG Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma, Derrick White, and Josh Hart were all taken in the first round after Patton.
Fans can argue that Luc Longley or Felton Spencer should have been the selection here. Both were top-seven picks that had decade-long careers as fringe starters at the five. Longley won three championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, and Spencer was a starter on two playoff teams.
Paul Grant was the 20th pick in 1997, and he played just 16 NBA games in his career. The Minnesota Timberwolves took chances on plenty of big men, but it has not always worked out.
Can the Wolves turn their draft record around under Tim Connelly? It won’t be easy after Minnesota dealt much of their draft capital to Utah for Rudy Gobert. They will still get chances, and the Timberwolves hope to avoid changing this list anytime soon. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
