Timberwolves' ideal Rudy Gobert successor could be available in the draft

With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have the chance to upgrade their roster in a significant way. The Wolves hold the No. 17 and 31 picks, which allows them the opportunity to add some impactful young talent. Rudy Gobert will be 33 before the start of next season and has shown signs of offense decline. As a result, the Wolves may look to target a big man in the draft to eventually replace him.

Georgetown's Thomas Sorber has the perfect skill set to blossom into the Wolves' long-term center. As a freshman, he averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 53.2/16.2/72.4 shooting splits. Let's dive into Sorber's game and fit with the Timberwolves.

Thomas Sorber's impressive two-way abilities

Sorber is one of the most complete big men in the draft. Defensively, he is an elite rim protector, averaging 2 blocks per game. Sorber's timing and IQ are key to his shot-blocking abilities. Impressively, Sorber held opponents to 54 percent shooting at the rim, and the Hoyas posted a 91.9 defensive rating with him on the court via hoop-explorer.

At 6-foot-10, he's not necessarily a giant, but his 7-foot-6 wingspan makes him a disruptive defender. Notably, he also averaged 1.5 steals and has great hands. With his ability to deter shots at the rim, shut down opponents on the ball, and wreak havoc off the ball, Sorber is a gifted defender who has great instincts. He is also a high-quality rebounder.

Sorber also showcased impressive mobility in college, being able to switch onto perimeter players if needed. This combination of rim protection and versatility gives Sorber a strong chance to be an elite NBA defender. We've seen players like Bam Adebayo blossom into elite defenders with a similar frame and skill set. While Sorber likely won't be a four-time Defensive Player of the Year like Gobert, he projects to be more versatile defensively, and he offers incredible offensive upside.

On offense, Sorber is highly impactful as an interior scorer and play finisher. While Sorber is not a traditional vertical athlete, he has great touch around the rim. He thrives as a roll man and can finish through contact. Sorber's screening helps open up the game for himself and his teammates. Additionally, Sorber is a gifted post-player who punishes mismatches. Despite not being an elite athlete, Sorber is also capable as a lob threat.

At Georgetown, he displayed upside as a playmaker and ball handler. Sorber's 2.4 assists per game are undoubtedly impressive for his size, and he has great court vision. He might not be used as an offensive hub, but he can be used as a passer in short-roll situations at the very least. Regardless, having a big man who is comfortable with the ball in his hands is always a plus.

Moreover, Sorber's ball handling also gives him upside as a shot-creator, which he showed flashes of in college. While Sorber only shot 16.2 percent from beyond the arc, he was a willing shooter, averaging 1.5 3s per game. With a willingness to shoot and solid fundamentals, this part of Sorber's game could develop.

Is Sorber a realistic target for the Wolves?

Sorber is currently projected to be a late lottery to mid-first-round pick, making him a possible target for the Wolves at 17. Despite this projection, Sorber is arguably the most undervalued player in this class. He possesses the rare combination of a high floor and ceiling. As Gobert continues to age and decline offensively, finding a long-term replacement for him is logical. Sorber's two-way impact and upside make him a perfect fit. Ultimately, Sorber is one of the most intriguing and realistic targets for the Wolves.