With an opportunity to acquire multiple impact players in the 2024 NBA Draft this week, the Minnesota Timberwolves should consider selecting veteran and versatile ball handlers that would add depth to the backcourt.
The Timberwolves are in danger of losing backup point guards Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris in free agency, so it would make sense to target potential replacements with the 27th and 37th pick in the upcoming draft.
Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek, Illinois shooting guard Terrence Shannon Jr and Colorado point guard KJ Simpson are among possible targets for the Timberwolves front office as the annual draft quickly approaches.
The first round of the NBA draft is Wednesday night! Minnesota owns the No. 27 overall pick.
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 25, 2024
Here's what some of the mock drafts are saying about the direction the #Timberwolves could go. #RaisedByWolves #WolvesBackhttps://t.co/IerhT4ZV5q pic.twitter.com/W8JbGOoqnS
Timberwolves should seek backcourt depth in the draft
Kolek racked up 15.3 points and led the NCAA with 7.7 assists per game en route to taking home All-Big East honors with Marquette last season, and should be a steady floor general off the bench for years to come.
Shannon was third in the nation with 23.0 points per game and shot a career-best 47.5 percent from the field at Illinois in 2024, culminating in a record-breaking Big Ten Tournament that helped improve his draft stock.
Simpson emerged as one of the premier point guards in the Pac-12 by posting 19.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game with Colorado this year, and he recently worked out with Minnesota during the pre-draft process.
Do you want the #Timberwolves to draft Marquette star Tyler Kolek with the 27th overall pick? #WolvesBack pic.twitter.com/pIIf0tr4Wj
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 17, 2024
Minnesota must pursue one of these options on draft night
Even though it’s difficult to predict which direction the Timberwolves front office will take in the draft, it appears players with perimeter skills will be pursued. Kolek, Shannon and Simpson certainly fit the bill.
Other notable prospects the Timberwolves should consider picking in the draft this week include Minnesota shooting guard Cam Christie, Kansas combo guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and Creighton forward Baylor Scheierman.
The Timberwolves worked out 18 prospects leading up to the draft and 15 of those players spent multiple years in college, so it seems like the front office will focus on bringing in a rookie that could make an immediate impact.