Timberwolves have 3 clear first-round targets based on their pre-draft workout list

The NBA Draft is just one day away, and teams have a clear list of prospects. According to HoopsHype, the Minnesota Timberwolves conducted 21 pre-draft workouts. The Wolves hold the No. 17 and 31 picks. However, only three of the prospects they worked out are realistic targets for the Wolves at pick 17. These three players are Colorado State's Nique Clifford, Georgia's Asa Newell, and Cedevita Olimpija's Joan Beringer. Let's dive into how these players could fit with the Timberwolves.

Nique Clifford

Clifford has been linked to the Timberwolves throughout the draft cycle, and it's easy to see why. He is one of the most versatile wings in the draft. Clifford is a high-level shooter, shot creator, playmaker, rebounder, and defender. This skill set makes Clifford one of the most complete prospects in the class. Notably, Clifford averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 49.6/37.7/77.7 shooting splits. At 23, Clifford could make an immediate impact. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker being a free agent, the Wolves could look to upgrade their wing depth, and Clifford appears to be the prime target ahead of draft night.

Asa Newell

Newell is an athletic big man with a knack for rim protection and play finishing. He also has a developing face-up game and outside shot. During his lone season at Georgia, Newell averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, a block, and a steal with 54.3/29.2/74.8 shooting splits. At 19, Newell is a bit more of a raw prospect, but he could develop nicely behind Rudy Gobert. With Gobert's age, along with Naz Reid and Julius Randle entering free agency, upgrading big man depth could be logical for Minnesota. Overall, Newell's two-way impact and upside make him a clear fit.

Joan Beringer

French big man Joan Beringer has been a massive riser throughout the draft process. Beringer posted averages of 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 30 games with Cedevita Olimpija in the ABA League. While Beringer is a project player as an 18-year-old who has only been playing basketball for three years, he has a projectable role as a shot blocker and rim runner. His 7-foot-4 wingspan and athletic gifts give him significant defensive upside. Gobert would be the perfect center for Beringer to learn behind. Ultimately, as an upside swing at pick 17, Beringer is an intriguing option for the Timberwolves.

Final thoughts

While the three players who worked out with the Wolves are clear targets, they could go in a different direction at pick 17. Notably, last year, they traded up for Rob Dillingham despite not bringing him in for a workout. It's also possible the Wolves worked out a player that HoopsHype didn't report. Georgetown's Thomas Sorber is one player the Wolves have reported interest in, but didn't appear on HoopsHype's list. Overall, Clifford, Newell, and Beringer should all be monitored at pick 17, but don't be surprised if the Wolves pick someone else.