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2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

By Lukas Harkins

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after being fouled by the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after being fouled by the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Timberwolves

Record in 2016-17: 31-51 (13th in the Western Conference)

Draft picks: 16th overall

Jonathan Givony Projections: Lauri Markkanen (#7)

Lukas Harkins Projections: Jonathan Isaac (#7)

Draft Outlook: The future is set with Karl-Anthony Towns as the focal point of the team. He is an elite player already and only looking to get better with how young he is. Around him, there are nice pieces in Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins (and Ricky Rubio). With the #7 pick in this draft, they are likely to snag a forward to place next to KAT in the lineup, but they better be ready to play a lot of minutes during their time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. If Jonathan Isaac is on the board for them, that pick would be welcomed with open arms, but if he is not, going for a sharpshooter like Lauri Markkanen would also fit the bill, although not as smoothly as Isaac.

#16 overall: C Justin Patton, Creighton

A two-way player with a ton of upside, Justin Patton will be a major project for the Timberwolves. He has the ability to potentially stretch the floor in the future and it will be interesting to see how he develops next to star Karl-Anthony Towns. He should enter his name as a backup candidate right away, and selecting him at #16 seems about right for his value. Grade: B-.

To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.

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