3 reasons why Timberwolves fans should tune into the 2023 NBA Draft

II:  What are NBA Division rivals up to?

While the Denver Nuggets compete for the NBA Championship against the Miami Heat, let’s point out that the NBA Northwest Division was very competitive throughout the 2022-23 NBA season. In fact, the division had two teams in the NBA Play-In Tournament (Minnesota Timberwolves as the eighth seed, and Oklahoma City Thunder as the ninth seed.) And both the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves earned a spot in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

1. Denver Nuggets: Round 2 (40)
2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Round 1 (12) Round 2 (37, 50)
3. Utah Jazz: Round 1 (9, 16, 28)
4. Portland Trail Blazers Round 1 (3, 23) Round 2 (43)

There continue to be mixed reactions to the Portland Trail Blazers’ perceived ability to get better on pace with the expectations of veteran point guard Damian Lillard. To do that, many believe that their third overall pick, considered quite valuable in the 2023 NBA Draft, will be up for auction to land a blue-chip NBA player.

Timberwolves – Trail Blazers?

While the Timberwolves are not one of the front-runners to engage in a high-stakes exchange with the Portland Trail Blazers, keep an eye on their 43rd overall pick. If the Timberwolves covet any talented rookies in this draft class, that pick is in an ideal location for the Timberwolves to reach for to get a valuable prospect.

But there are plenty of reasons just to keep an eye on the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Utah Jazz as well. I believe that the Thunder are at the cusp of a very good season, and the Utah Jazz, having demolished their roster last season, are in an intriguing situation right now in terms of whether or not they try to turn the corner this season. Finally, there stands the NBA Champion Denver Nuggets.

Sheesh.