NBA Draft Lottery: 5 reasons the Timberwolves deserve to win

Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) high fives center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN- APRIL 26: New Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau throws out a first pitch prior to the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians on April 26, 2016 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Indians 6-5. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

3: The first-overall pick deserves a great coach

A first overall pick would be the perfect gift for new head coach Tom Thibodeau who, by all accounts, has taken to his new surroundings quite well.

Most people praised the Thibs hire when it was made. For all of Minnesota’s shortcomings last season, they still averaged 102.4 points per game and earned the 12th-best offensive rating in the league, but their defensive rating – which was third-worst in the NBA – left much to be desired.

Thibodeau is widely regarded as one of the best defensive-minded coaches in the NBA, and when he was with the Chicago Bulls, he implemented a defensive system that many teams tried to mimic. His departure from the Bulls was viewed more as a falling out with the front office rather than because of a lack of results, and with the Bulls having missed the playoffs in the first year of the Fred Hoiberg era, they’re probably regretting the decision already.

Being part of the rebuilding project in Minnesota is the perfect opportunity for Thibs to prove why he’s one of the best coaches in the league, especially if he’s able to develop a contender in a relatively short time. Getting the first overall pick would not only speed up that process, but it would allow for great team chemistry to be built almost right away in his first season at the helm.

Of all the bottom-feeding teams, Minnesota has by far the best coach – since we’re referring to bottom-feeders, we’re not counting the Celtics and Brad Stevens. And players like Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, who are already being hailed as franchise players, deserve to be playing under a proper NBA system.

Next: 2: They didn't tank

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