The first round of the NBA Draft is just eight days away, taking place on June 23. The Minnesota Timberwolves, barring a trade, will make their first selection 28th overall. While that is late in the opening round, the draft class seems to be deep enough where the Wolves can get a quality player with that choice.
In recent years, the Timberwolves have often drafted project players that may not quite be ready for a sustained role in the NBA. That shouldn’t be what they do next week. Minnesota should force Chris Finch to play a rookie this year by selecting someone they believe will earn time on the floor right away.
Timberwolves should look for a rookie that can fit on next season’s rosterÂ
Last year, Minnesota selected Joan Beringer in the first-round and Rocco Zikarsky in the second. It continued a theme under Finch of rookies not playing much under him.
In 2020-21, Finch became the team's new head coach halfway through the season. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, rookies at the time, were already in the rotation. Since that year, first-year players on the Timberwolves haven’t seen a substantial amount of playing time.
Amount of playing time for Minnesota rookies since 2021-22:
2021-22: Leandro Bolmaro (241 minutes played), McKinley Wright IV (19)
2022-23: Wendell Moore Jr. (153), Josh Minott (96), A.J. Lawson (2)
2023-24: Leonard Miller (52)
2024-25: Jaylen Clark (522), Rob Dillingham (516), Terrence Shannon Jr. (339), Tristen Newton (8), Jesse Edwards (5)
2025-26: Joan Beringer (314), Rocco Zikarsky (36)
That isn’t much time seen by rookie players and a big part of this is because these players aren't ready-made contributors. That may need to change next season. Minnesota will already be without Donte DiVincenzo for much of the year (if not all) with a torn Achilles. The 3-point bomber started all 82 games for the Wolves in 2025-26.
The Timberwolves will be missing that key member of their rotation next season, and they could look to the draft to replace some of his outside shooting. Some players who have the possibility to be available at pick No. 28 that Minnesota could select include Ebuka Okorie, Meleek Thomas, Isaiah Evans, and Alex Karaban. Not only did all 4 of these players prove they can score at the collegiate level, but they are all capable 3-point shooters.
After taking Beringer in the first round in 2025, and hopefully giving him more time in 2026-27, it wouldn’t make much sense to select a big man such as Henri Veesaar or Tarris Reed. International players Karim Lopez and Sergio De Larrea showcase potential, but they may need a year or two to fully acclimate to the NBA.
The Timberwolves will likely be an apron team as long as they re-sign Ayo Dosunmu. There aren’t going to be many avenues to improving by adding outside free agents due to salary constraints. You would like to see Tim Connelly and the front office select someone in the draft who not only fits a need, but who can play right away.
Add us as a preferred source on Google