With the NBA Draft just weeks away, many teams are beginning their pre-draft workout process. According to HoopsHype, the Minnesota Timberwolves have worked out four prospects as of Friday, June 6th. These prospects are Minnesota's Dawson Garcia, Charleston's CJ Fulton, Kansas State's Coleman Hawkins, and St John's Deivon Smith. Let's dive into what this means for the Wolves and if any of these prospects are realistic targets.
Are these players realistic targets for the Wolves?
The Wolves hold the 17th and 31st picks in the draft. However, none of these prospects should be targets with either pick. All of them are fringe second-round picks and more than likely being considered for a summer league roster spot. Notably, all four prospects are unranked on HoopsHype's big board.
As bigger skilled forwards, Garcia and Hawkins are arguably the two most intriguing of the group. Garcia playing college ball at Minnesota and growing up there gives him a clear connection to the team. Moreover, the Wolves are the only team he has worked out with to date. As a result, if the Wolves are impressed by him, it feels likely he'll earn a summer league spot.
What does this mean for the Wolves' draft plans?
While it might be disappointing that the Wolves haven't worked out anyone they could realistically draft, it's not the end of the world. Firstly, they will surely expand their workout list shortly, adding more clarity to what prospects the Wolves are interested in. Another important note is that this is only HoopHype's sources and data, so the Wolves could have already worked out more players. Additionally, pre-draft workouts aren't the end-all, be-all. Just last year, we saw the Wolves trade up for Rob Dillingham without bringing him in for a pre-draft workout. Tim Connelly and Co. may be simply keeping their cards close to their chest.
Undoubtedly though, the Wolves are still doing their due diligence on targets in the mid-first-round and late-second-round. Playmaking is a clear need for the Wolves. Whether it's a traditional facilitating guard or a bigger player who is comfortable with the ball in his hands, the Wolves will target someone who is a capable playmaker. Finding possible replacements for pending free agents Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could be another avenue the Wolves go down.
The Wolves have an opportunity to land two first-round level talents, which is beneficial for them as they navigate a high payroll. Amid title contention, the Wolves will likely prioritize prospects who can make an immediate impact. Regardless, Connelly has always valued upside. It will be interesting to see who the Timberwolves end up working out and targeting as this process continues.