NBA Draft Lottery: 5 reasons the Timberwolves deserve to win
By David Rouben
4: Ben Simmons is the team’s missing piece
There’s a chance that whoever picks No. 1 overall will draft Brandon Ingram, especially after SI made a great case for it (if you haven’t read it yet, I suggest you do so right away). But let’s say, for argument’s sake, that the Timberwolves win the lottery and draft Ben Simmons. Ingram is, after all, a small forward, and they already have that position covered with Wiggins.
Simmons would slot in right at the four and provide a perfect companion for Towns in the frontcourt. Ever since they traded away Kevin Love, that’s the spot the Wolves have needed to fill the most. And considering Simmons’ upside, there’s a chance that, if developed properly, he could be able to replace Love.
With him and Towns playing together, they would have the chance to simply wreak havoc on the offensive glass and flat-out dominate the opposition’s defenders.
There’s no reason to think that Simmons won’t fit in right away at Minnesota. Most of his teammates are around the same age as him, so it wouldn’t feel that much different from a college roster. But unlike LSU, he’d have way better offensive support. Plus, if Kevin Garnett decides to stick around, he’d be the perfect mentor to Simmons in terms of developing his talents at the four at the NBA level.
Of all the teams in the bottom five, Minnesota is quite possibly the best fit for Ben Simmons, and he would provide excellent chemistry with his new teammates.
Next: 3: The 1st pick needs a coach