The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Georgetown's Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick. Sorber's two-way impact makes him a perfect fit for the Thunder. This was just two picks before the Minnesota Timberwolves were on the clock. The Wolves ended up with Joan Beringer at pick 17, who is more of a project player.
However, Sorber would have been a much better fit, and the Wolves likely would have drafted him at 17. After losing in the Western Conference Finals to OKC, the Wolves continue to be haunted by the recent champs. The Wolves simply can't escape OKC, and their path to taking down the champs just got harder.
Thomas Sorber is undoubtedly the most versatile big man in this draft class that I believe WILL return T10 value.
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 19, 2025
6’10, 7’6 (!) wingspan. Physically imposing interior scoring + rebounding/rim protection skill (7.8% BLK) — strong short-roll passing with developing perimeter shot. pic.twitter.com/Ok8z3AKfDx
Sorber would have been an ideal fit with the Timberwolves
With Rudy Gobert aging and Naz Reid entering free agency, center depth is a clear need for the Wolves. Sorber provides defensive rim protection and versatility with an elite 7-foot-6 wingspan. Additionally, he makes a well-rounded offensive impact as an inside scorer and playmaker. During Sorber's lone season at Georgetown, he averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.5 steals on 53.2/16.2/72.4 shooting splits.
Sorber's ability to protect the rim and switchable defense gives him a high floor. Moreover, his ability to score around the rim and impact as a playmaker gives him star-level upside. This skill set makes Sorber one of the most complete big men in the draft. Sorber's ability to make an impact as a rookie and high upside would have been perfect for the Wolves. Instead, they ended up with more of a project player in Beringer.
Beringer's upside as a rim protector and lob threat is clear. He will be able to learn behind Gobert. However, Sorber could have also learned behind Gobert while having the ability to play minutes if needed. Sorber arguably has a higher floor and upside than Beringer. Overall, while Beringer could blossom into a high-level center, missing out on Sorber certainly stings for now, especially considering who drafted him.
For the NBA champs to bolster their center depth and defense with such a polished prospect almost seems unfair. Finding immediate contributors with upside is ideal for title contenders in the draft. Ultimately, the Wolves are trying to compete with the Thunder, and this makes things more difficult.