TWolves Draft Recap

Thursday June 26th was the NBA Draft in Brooklyn, NY. This was one of the most coveted draft classes in years due to the extreme depth, possible franchise changers up top, and impact players outside of the lottery. The Timberwolves finished their 2013-2014 campaign as the 13th team in the lottery after going 40-42 and missing the playoffs.

With the 13th pick the TWolves selected Zach Lavine, Guard from UCLA.
With the 40th pick the TWolves selected Glen Robinson III, Guard from Michigan
With the 44th pick the TWolves sold the pick
With the 53rd pick the TWolves sold the pick

With their first selection the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Zach Lavine. A one year guard from UCLA that averaged less than 10 points and 3 assists last season. This has been seen as a "swinging for the fences" type of pick because Zach is a tremendous athlete but has underdeveloped basketball skills. Glenn Robinson III, son of 1994 first overall pick Glen Robinson, was also drafted for his athleticism, and although he is a second round draft pick, could contribute right away. Glen was a two year starter for Michigan and could be a lethal pair with Zach in transition offense.

The Twolves want Zach to be a combo guard that can both back up Rubio when he comes out of the game, and also play along side of him. They expect less from Glen, but want him to be able to get physical when guarding opposing forwards, and also be a threat from the perimeter when playing shooting guard.
2013-2014 Depth Chart
PGs: Ricky Rubio, JJ Barea
SGs: Kevin Martin, Alexey Shved
SFs: Corey Brewer, Chase Buddinger, Shabazz Muhammad, Robbie Hummel

I believe that in order for the Twolves to make the jump to 50 wins and the playoffs, they need contributions from both players right away.
2014-2015 Depth Chart
PGs: Ricky Rubio, Zach Lavine
SGs: Kevin Martin, Zach Lavine, Glen Robinson
SFs: Corey Brewer, Shabazz Muhammad, Chase Buddinger, Glen Robinson

I think that Zach needs to be playing as Ricky's direct back up, and even be able to play alongside Ricky. JJ Barea is not a playoff team's back up point guard, and if we need to continue playing him we aren't in a position to snag a playoff spot.

Glen Robinson has more time to develop and could be playing behind Brewer, Muhammad, and Buddinger at the Small Forward position. The best case scenario for Glen would be for him to play some time at shooting guard behind Kevin Martin and Zach Lavine. Look for Glen to be a rotation player in 2015 or 2016.

If the TWolves make the trade for Wiggins, Waiters, Thompson and Bennett, look for this young exciting team to be about a year away from being something special.