Connelly draft stark contrast to previous Timberwolves drafts

Connelly is part sales and part bargain hunter

The modern-era version of a successful NBA President of Basketball Operations must have many of the skills that you may find in a successful antique dealer. And that is why we turned over the keys of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the right guy when the organization hired Tim Connelly.

The role is obviously a bargain hunter. The ability to look over the profiles of hundreds of NBA hopefuls, narrow the search of workouts to a couple of dozen players, and then narrow the matter even more to the one, two, or three prospects who infuse the right blend of energy, talent, work ethic, and grit to the team is nothing short of spectacular.

But now, there is a need to sell the team’s vision to the player. Just look at the current developments between the Portland Trail Blazers and long-time veteran point guard Damian Lillard.  There is an immensely understated amount of marketing and selling that now comes with the territory of personnel executives. It’s no longer enough to choose the right player. In today’s NBA, personnel executives must sell the team’s vision to that player.

Connelly’s draft setting a new tone for the Timberwolves roster

So what did the Minnesota TiImbrerwolves do that set this team apart this year? Simply stated, this team took chances to get rookie prospects with tremendous upside. But that is not all that the team managed to accomplish. The Timberwolves landed two players who understand the benefits of team dynamics, and who know that great shooters must be paired up with great defenders and great facilitators.

Might there, could there be another scenario where the Timberwolves will be snubbed by a draft prospect? Of course. But by the time that happens, it will not be such a fatal lost opportunity. After all, this team is loading up on guys who love to play defense, dish out assists, haul in rebounds, and drain a corner three.

While that won’t stop a future Stephen Curry from snubbing the Timberwolves, it will help with the pain management if it happens again. After all, the Timberwolves’ front office only wants to add players who want to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves. And thanks to the efforts of Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, more and more players are failing into that category.