The 2024 NCAA Tournament officially tipped off this week and there are dozens of NBA Draft prospects the Minnesota Timberwolves should keep an eye on throughout March Madness including Marquette backcourt duo Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones, plus Creighton forward Baylor Scheierman, Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr and more!
It’s certainly difficult to anticipate who the Timberwolves will eventually pick in the draft but experienced role players and depth at point guard seem to be realistic targets. Due to the current cap situation and projected draft picks, Minnesota’s front office is expected to focus on rookies that will have a chance to make an immediate impact.
As the regular season marches on, we’ve also been keeping an eye on the offseason.@nateackert identified two late first-round targets for the Wolves to consider.https://t.co/6zOtSFAo2f
— Dunking With Wolves (@DunkingWolvesFS) March 7, 2024
Kolek and Jones make up one of the most talented backcourts in the country and should be on the Timberwolves’ radar ahead of the summer. Both players have proven to be consistent playmakers and dynamic scorers, and would be a perfect fit off the bench as Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley Jr’s career continues to wind down.
Scheierman has displayed an impressive ability to play multiple positions and is looking to lead Creighton to a deep postseason run before entering the upcoming draft. The Nebraska native averaged a career-high 18.4 points and 9.0 rebounds en route to earning All-American honors this season, and is set to open the tournament on Thursday.
Terrence Shannon Jr. had a historic #B1GMBBT. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PbD8nYuRa4
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 18, 2024
Shannon took home the Big Ten Tournament MVP after putting up 34.0 points per game on 45.5 percent shooting from 3-point territory in three games last weekend. Following three years at Texas Tech, Shannon has become an extremely dangerous scorer at Illinois and should continue his hot streak on the biggest stage this month.
Other potential targets for the Timberwolves include Baylor forward Jalen Bridges, Connecticut guard Tristen Newton, Kentucky forward Justin Edwards, and Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr. Even though he won’t play in the NCAA Tournament due to a recent knee injury, McCullar Jr. is definitely a prospect to watch in the pre-draft process.
Tristen Newton, All-American. @D1Tristen becomes the 12th All-American in program history 🙌 pic.twitter.com/KLu4uIDNgu
— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 19, 2024
Newton helped lead Connecticut to a national championship last year and has become an even more integral part of the top-seeded Huskies this season. The former East Carolina standout could bring plenty of experience and versatility to the Timberwolves backcourt.
Bridges, Edwards and McCullar Jr. are continuing to rise up the mock draft boards because they defend at a high level and stretch the floor with intriguing perimeter shooting. All three players are expected to be available towards the end of the first round so the Timberwolves should consider bringing them into the fold as well.