Minnesota Timberwolves: 2017 NBA Draft Grades
A surprising trade produced a definitive winner of the 2017 NBA Draft and adds the Timberwolves to the list of Western contenders
As fans and pundits settled in for the 2017 NBA Draft social media lit up regarding a big trade. Leading up to the draft there was abundant chatter focusing on Paul George or Jimmy Butler getting dealt. The key teams expected to bid for the two All-Star’s services were the Boston Celtics or Cleveland Cavaliers.
When it was confirmed Butler was on the move, but would be headed to Minnesota it set the tone for the night. No team came close to making moves to parallel this event, and so it was the Minnesota Timberwolves became the definitive draft night winners.
Butler, who is out of the country was less than thrilled with how the Bulls handled the situation. A fair assessment given he was considered Chicago’s franchise star. Chicago Sun-Times writer Joe Cowley spoke with Butler who offered the following via his article:
“It doesn’t mean a damn thing,” the three-time All-Star told the Sun-Times by phone Friday from Paris. “I guess being called the face of an organization isn’t as good as I thought. We all see where being the so-called face of the Chicago Bulls got me. So let me be just a player for the Timberwolves, man. That’s all I want to do. I just want to be winning games, do what I can for my respective organization and let them realize what I’m trying to do.”
Trade Grade: A+
Heading to Chicago are Zach LaVine and last season’s number 5 draft pick point guard Kris Dunn. Coming to Minnesota is Jimmy Butler. The teams also swamped draft picks with the Bulls getting Minnesota’s 7th pick and the Wolves getting Chiago’s 16th pick.
For the Wolves to also net the 16th pick it pushed the trade over the top as a major win for Thibs and the Minnesota brain trust.
Justin Patton/Pick 16 via Chicago/Center/Creighton University
Grade: B+
Statline: 12.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks
Analysis:
Much of what makes Patton a great prospect are coincidentally the same things which are his weaknesses. To wit, at 20 his potential ceiling is untapped, but until he reaches that potential there will be growing pains. Fortunately for him he’ll have less pressure since he’ll be playing behind Karl Anthony-Towns and Gorgui Dieng.
In terms of what he offers immediately are distinct advantages like his 7' frame and 9'3" reach. Moreover, he displays solid pick and roll skills, runs the floor well, is agile and has a high motor. Possessing large hands he utilizes adept touch to distribute the ball via his highly underrated passing skills. With his height and those hands it serves to offer big targets for his teammates. Patton also demonstrates the ability to hit from the field, and while he boasted 5 of 8 from deep it’s too small a sample and too early to expect that will be part of his offensive arsenal just yet.
On the negative side his skills are still under developed. Specifically, he needs work on the defensive end and has a tendency to panic and rush shots when under duress which seems to point to a lower basketball I.Q. Thibs isn’t prone to being desirous of poor defenders, so let’s assume this is more a sign of his age and lack of experience.
Fit:
Ironically, the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor listed Karl Anthony-Towns lite as his comparison for Patton. Although I’d lean more to a Chris Bosh lite comparison the two (KAT and Patton) should offer Thibs some exciting rim protection in years to come. Should Patton begin the season with the varsity squad he’ll be a better fit beside Towns than Dieng.
The obvious need will be for Patton to gain size, so he’s not pushed off the block. However, his height will offer immediate rim protection and pairing him with KAT and Dieng should help with his integration. Patton is a 74 percent finisher and the majority of his production comes off assists. Therefore, expect to see plenty of PNR actions with Patton and Ricky Rubio.
Speaking of which, 16’s Dane Moore advises at the post draft presser Tom Thibodeau spoke of the Wolves commitment to Rubio. Given how often his name has been bandied about as trade bait this is a distinct change of direction. It is reasonable though, given how improved Rubio played post trade deadline last season. Rubio has often (unfairly) been criticized for his defense and perhaps Thibs after a full season recognizes this fact. Definitely, Rubio’s passing skills have never been questioned and it won’t be surprising to find him leading the league next season in assists.
Another big takeaway from the addition of Patton is it will give Thibs flexibility with his options regarding what he elects to do with bigs Cole Aldrich and Jordan Hill’s roster spots. The latter is on a non-guaranteed contract. This becomes relevant as it allows the Wolves the option of shedding him and opens enough cap space to add another top end talent to what is conceivably now a core of Rubio, Wiggins, Butler and Towns. Examination of the roster would logically point to the pursuit of a player like Paul Millsap for example.
As far as the roster alignment, Patton could spend time with the G-League Iowa Wolves and as a reserve on the varsity team.
Undeniably the big news is the Timberwolves have taken a big step from last years TimberPups towards Western contenders. To that end, Thibs hinted he expects the addition of Butler will positively affect the young Wolves on and off the court.
Butler is well versed in Thibs style and in particular he’ll offer immediate benefits to the Wolves defense. Moreover, unafraid to be a clutch performer his ability and experience should help the Wolves capture more wins in close games; their biggest downfall last season.
Bottom line on a night where the NBA broke a record for the number of first round freshman selections it feels appropriate the TimberPups are the draft night champions and have taken their first step toward coming of age.
