The Minnesota Timberwolves took a huge leap this past 2021-22 season. They made their first postseason appearance since 2018 and only their second stint since 2004. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves lost in the first round to the no. 2 seeded Memphis Grizzlies, despite the fact that Minnesota led in-game for the majority of the series. Nonetheless, in this post we're going to look at Timberwolves 2022 NBA Draft needs.
The Timberwolves will undoubtedly want to carry the momentum from their strong 2021-22 campaign and take the next step in 2022-23. While a young rookie won't necessarily move the needle that much, whoever they select with the 19th overall pick in the upcoming draft should be able to play a role for them this upcoming season and offer upside down the line for this young Minnesota core. With that said, let's take a look at the Timberwolves' two biggest needs entering the 2022 NBA Draft.
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Timberwolves 2022 NBA Draft Needs
1. Guard depth
The Timberwolves fielded a small backcourt of D'Angelo Russell and Patrick Beverley throughout the entire season. While perimeter defense wasn't their main issue due to Beverley's tenacity and energy, Minnesota struggled more on playmaking. Russell obviously served as the Timberwolves' primary playmaker, though Anthony Edwards also had the ball in his hands for a good chunk of Minnesota's offensive possessions. But outside of those two, the Timberwolves were in need of more facilitators to help set the table offensively.
Their flaws in that department certainly showed when it mattered most. Their offense got stagnant whenever the Grizzlies made their massive runs throughout their first round series. In addition, though it's just a six-game sample, Minnesota also had the second-worst assist-to-turnover in the postseason.
Dyson Daniels is perhaps a player they can place atop their draft board to address their need for a playmaker. Or at least they should hope he falls to 19. The 6-foot-6 guard's biggest strengths are his playmaking and perimeter defense. Daniels took his talents to the NBA's G-League Ignite instead of going the college route or even playing in his home country in the NBL Australia. He showcased elite passing skills and terrific vision, similar to his fellow Australian Josh Giddey. If he lands on Minnesota's lap, they should be able to use him alongside Russell and Edwards due to his size and defensive upside.
Another guard whom the Timberwolves can consider is Kennedy Chandler. He is a speedy 6-foot guard who handles the ball effectively. In his lone season at Tennessee, Chandler averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 steals while shooting 38.3 percent from long distance. Chandler is a sound decision-maker on the pick-and-roll. He is also able to create for himself off the bounce with a quick first step and a steady looking pull-up jumper. Defensively, despite his small stature, Chandler is a pest. He doesn't allow his lack of size deter him from making a defensive impact due to his physicality and quickness to keep in step with his man. With these, he should be a name Minnesota keeps on its radar less than two weeks from now.
2. Defensive wing that can also contribute offensively
The Timberwolves will also need to address having more wing depth that can help them out on the defensive side of the floor. Jaden McDaniels and Jarred Vanderbilt stepped into bigger roles this past season, while Josh Okogie fell out of the rotation due to his limitations offensively. Still, the Timberwolves will need to deepen their cast by adding a capable wing that can both defend and make some contributions on offense.
The previously-mentioned Daniels fits the bill with his ability to create on offense and play lockdown defense on the other end. E.J. Liddell is another choice that might be more within reach for Minnesota. Liddell is a burly 6-foot-7 forward who played three seasons at Ohio State. His undersized status hasn't stopped Liddell from being an interior force defensively. In his junior year, he averaged 2.6 blocks and made First-Team All-Defense in the Big Ten. He also improved his outside shooting, knocking down 37.4 percent of his threes, when he returned for a third season with the Buckeyes.
Another prospect Minnesota can consider is Tari Eason. He is a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks in his sophomore season at LSU. He should play more power forward in the NBA to start, but could be an option at the three if he improves his ballhandling with his ability to finish with strength at the rim. With Eason, the Timberwolves could parade a trio of lengthy and switchable wings with McDaniels and Vanderbilt. Those three can wreck havoc defensively for Minnesota with their long limbs and versatility.
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