The Minnesota Timberwolves emerged as big winners on Thursday after hitting the jackpot in the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery and clinching the top overall selection of the upcoming draft. All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell was the team's lucky charm, as he represented the Timberwolves and general manager Gersson Rosas via conference call when the envelopes were revealed.
D'Lo was extremely proud of his involvement in acquiring another foundation for the Timberwolves' future, especially after the team's dismal 19-45 showing in the 2019-20 NBA campaign. He also couldn't help but reminisce about the time he and now-teammate Karl-Anthony Towns were picked first and second overall in 2015.
KAT was taken first by the Timberwolves, while Russell began his pro career as the second overall pick of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas couldn't be any happier, following the team's stroke of good luck on Thursday.
Here's the full text of their statements, via KSTP-TV's Chris Long:
Gersson and D'Angelo on #Timberwolves landing the #1 pick… pic.twitter.com/HtfgMEqDvE
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) August 21, 2020
The Timberwolves, of course, were tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for the best odds (14 percent) at securing the top pick this year. While the numbers were indeed in Minny's favor, it still does not guarantee them the opportunity to take the first name off the boards come October 16.
Last year, the New Orleans Pelicans won the Zion Williamson sweepstakes by winning the lottery despite only having a six-percent chance.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will have a tough time on their hands since there's no clear-cut top-pick in this year's pool. Considering they already have a franchise big in Towns, the Wolves are unlikely to go with former Memphis star James Wiseman. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are projected as the two best guards of this draft.
However, all signs point to the Timberwolves favoring Edwards.
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