Thursday, June 25 is a historic day for the Minnesota Timberwolves. For the first time in franchise history the Timberwolves will have the NBA’s No. 1 overall pick.
What does this mean for this franchise that appears to have lost its way? They will get to select the most impactful player coming into the NBA, that player who can turn your franchise into an overnight success. Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kyrie Irving — these are a few former No. 1 overall picks.
Considering the Timberwolves have missed the playoffs 11 years in a row and had the NBA’s worst record last season (16-66), do you have faith in them? Can they be trusted to do the right thing?
The Timberwolves, remember, fired Flip Saunders several years ago as head coach. Last year, team owner Glen Taylor not only hired Saunders back to coach the team again; he’s also the team president and part owner. Can you think of any other franchise across the league who has done such a thing?
The Timberwolves have had many high draft picks before like Kevin Garnett, Joe Smith, Christian Laettner, names that have gone into the top 10. For the most part the Timberwolves, other than drafting Garnett, have made questionable choices. But when you have the first pick you have to take the right guy, because almost overnight your franchise can suddenly be one of the league’s top teams.
This week the Timberwolves are believed to be leaning toward drafting Kentucky All-American Karl Anthony Towns. Is he the clear No. 1, the can’t-miss, best, most impactful talent?
Many believe Jahlil Okafor of Duke is the best long-term solution to the Timberwolves’ woes. All he did was team with Minnesota’s own Tyus Jones, the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and win the National Championship.
So is that where the Timberwolves are — Towns or Okafor? I’m nervous, to be truthful. I honestly don’t trust the Timberwolves. Over the years they have shown me they can miss again on a great player.
Let’s hope for the best. The Timberwolves’ future is on the clock.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.