NBA Draft 2020 Mock Draft 1.0: The New Orleans Pelicans Can Try for Homerun
Center / USC. Onyeka Okongwu. 6. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Minnesota Timberwolves. 86
The Minnesota Timberwolves are having a disappointing season and would be even more disappointed if they dropped three draft spots to number six.
The Timberwolves seem to have finally found the core they want to build around with center Karl-Anthony Towns and shooting guard Russell.
This draft might preview how they plan to build around that core.
The Timberwolves are seriously lacking talent at the forward position, which may cause them to look for a forward as opposed to point guard with this selection.
With Russell and Malik Beasley the Timberwolves may have their backcourt of the future, and obviously are set at the center position with Towns.
Onyeka Okongwu is probably the best rim protector in the draft, averaging 2.7 blocks per game for the Trojans. He wouldn’t give Minnesota much in terms of offense, but he will grab rebounds, defend well and has the motor to be a long-time rotation player in the NBA.
The Timberwolves have the 23rd ranked offense in the NBA, so it might make sense to go with more of a scorer here, but they are hoping internal improvements from Beasley and a full season of Russell will be enough.
The Timberwolves had little trouble scoring in their last game, as they were able to slap 139 points on the New Orleans Pelicans.
Okongwu figures to be an impact player right away in the NBA, so if the Timberwolves feel like they will be able to compete next year, he is a smart pick. If not, they may go for more of a scorer or a project here.