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NBA Draft 2017: 5 players that were taken by the wrong team

By Akash Anavarathan

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Patton, NBA Draft, Timberwolves
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Justin Patton, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves were wheeling and dealing on Thursday, adding Jimmy Butler and giving up Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and moving down nine spots in the draft. Their selection was Creighton center Justin Patton.

It seemed like an odd fit, just because the superstar of the Timberwolves for years to come is Karl Anthony-Towns. What position does he play? Oh yeah, it’s the center position. In a league that’s transforming to smaller lineups, with shooters and versatile defenders, why did Minnesota lock itself up with two centers high in the draft?

They’re already deep in the front court, with Cole Aldrich and Gorgui Deng. Where would Patton even find the playing time behind all three of those players? Plus, Anthony-Towns’ strengths are all on the offensive side of the ball.

The Timberwolves should be looking for a defensive player who can play alongside Anthony-Towns. They need someone that can provide rim protection and defend on the interior to free up KAT. That’s not what Patton would give them due to the lack of athleticism and wingspan.

So it’s a boggling choice and the fit doesn’t seem to be there between Patton and the Timberwolves. Let’s see if Patton can find his way into the rotation and prove me wrong.