With March Madness starting this week, many fans are thinking about the NBA Draft. Yes, the priority for Minnesota Timberwolves fans is still the team getting back on track for another deep playoff run. However, it's undoubtedly an exciting time to think about the draft.
The Timberwolves haven't gotten much immediate production out of their recent draft picks (although Joan Beringer looks very promising). In the second apron era, finding quality young contributors is vital, and the Wolves must nail the draft this year.
The Timberwolves swapped picks with the Detroit Pistons at the deadline, meaning they'll have a very late first-round pick in June. Let's explore five prospects who are playing in March Madness and could be within the Wolves' range.
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
At 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Christian Anderson might give Timberwolves fans Rob Dillingham PTSD at first glance. However, drafting a small guard late in the first-round is a lot different than trading future draft capital to move up. Furthermore, point guard arguably remains the Timberwolves' biggest need, and the PGs who are likely to be available in their draft range are on the smaller side.
Anderson is also a far different player from Dillingham. He is a fantastic 3-point shooter, netting 42.5 percent of his 8.2 3s per game. This knockdown shooting ability allows him to play on or off the ball. Okay, I'll admit Dillingham was also a great college shooter, but what really makes Anderson different is his playmaking poise and feel for the game. The Texas Tech guard is a true floor general, averaging 7.6 assists -- he especially thrives as a pick-and-roll playmaker. According to CBB Analytics, Anderson ranks in the 99th percentile for assist percentage.
Dillingham was thrust into a playmaking role that didn't suit him. However, Anderson would thrive in this playmaking role that the Wolves so desperately need.
Given his size and the extreme all-around guard talent of this class, Anderson may fall into the late first round. In any event, Wolves fans should keep a close eye on the fifth-seeded Texas Tech.
Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
I know what you're thinking: "Another small guard, really?" Yes, it's true, Tyler Tanner is listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds. However, as noted with Anderson, the Wolves' best option to address their PG need in the draft might be by taking a small guard. Additionally, Tanner is even less similar to Dillingham than Anderson is.
Don't let his 6-foot frame fool you, Tanner is a defensive menace. He averages 2.4 steals, and per CBB analytics, he ranks in the 99th percentile for Defensive Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus (DRAPM). Being a small guard isn't always a death sentence on defense; look at Fred VanVleet, for instance.
On top of this, Tanner is a brilliant playmaker, a rock-solid shooter, and a finisher. He controls the offense at an elite level and very rarely makes mistakes, boosting a stellar 28.9 assist percentage. Tanner's 37.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 67.8 percent at the rim are also strong marks.
Vanderbilt enters the tournament as a No. 5 seed, off the heels of a stellar SEC tournament run, and they could be poised for a deep March Madness run.
Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
At 6-foot-4, Bennett Stirtz is a terrific option if the Wolves (understandably) want to avoid a smaller guard. Truthfully, Bennett Stirtz is my favorite prospect for the Wolves among this group. Regardless, I think Stirtz is also the most unrealistic target of this bunch. Currently, he looks closer to a mid-first-round pick than a late one, but stranger things have happened, and Stirtz's age (22) could cause him to fall.
Stirtz's blend of three-level scoring and elite playmaking positions him perfectly to run an NBA second unit. At Iowa, Stirtz is an offensive engine. And while he'll play a different role at the next level, this experience makes him an ideal backup guard.
He would provide the Timberwolves with the exact offensive skill set they need off the bench with minimal risk. If Stirtz falls to the Timberwolves in June, I would be surprised if they pass on him.
Stirtz led an underwhelming Iowa team to a No. 9 seed. Even if it's a shorter tournament run, Wolves fans should make it a priority to get eyes on their possible future point guard.
Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Allen Graves has been one of the fastest risers in this year's draft cycle. The redshirt freshman entered the season as a relatively unknown player. Nevertheless, his exceptional analytics led to a meteoric rise. Most notably, he ranks fourth in the country in box plus-minus per Bart Torvik, and is second behind possible No. 1 pick Cam Boozer among freshmen.
Graves isn't simply a numbers merchant, though. The 6-foot-9 forward has the ideal frame and versatile skill set to thrive at the next level. He can score from both inside and outside the arc (41.6 percent from 3-point range) while being able to facilitate offense as a high-post playmaker. Defensively, he projects to be able to guard opposing forwards and bigs at the NBA level.
If the Wolves need anything outside of point guard play, it's a versatile forward like Graves. Currently, Graves is projected to be a late first-round pick by most mock drafts. He could further skyrocket up boards and surpass the Wolves' range. However, for now, he remains an ideal and realistic target.
Santa Clara is a No. 10 seed that could feasibly upset Kentucky. At the very least, this will be a close game that Wolves fans should tune into.
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Keeping with the theme of versatile forwards, Joshua Jefferson is an interesting name to watch for the Wolves. Jefferson has had a breakout season of sorts as a senior at Iowa State. His averages of 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists reflect his well-rounded skill set. Likewise, Jefferson ranks in the 99th percentile for RAPM per CBB Analytics.
Jefferson is a classic point forward with an incredible feel for the game. Additionally, Jefferson provides a ton of versatility on defense. He is also a quality interior scorer. The Wolves could benefit from a skill set like this off their bench.
Admittedly, Jefferson's 3-point shooting (31.5 percent for his college career) is concerning. Nevertheless, his ability to contribute to other areas of the game more than makes up for this.
Out of everyone on this list, Jefferson has the best chance for a deep tournament run with Iowa State being a No. 2 seed. As such, Wolves fans should be able to get very familiar with his game if they aren't already.