NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Is LaMelo Ball destined to join the New York Knicks?

Until they prove they can do it, the biggest question for the Timberwolves is going to be how to build an effective defense with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns as key components. For all their size and athletic tools, those two have been problematic as individual defenders and look potentially catastrophic as a defensive pick-and-roll combination. Systemic adjustments will be necessary but the easiest way to raise the floor is fill out the rest of the rotation with solid individual defenders.

Minnesota already has some pieces in place with Josh Okogie, Jarrett Culver and, maybe, Malik Beasley. But a defensive-minded frontcourt partner for Towns is still a huge hole.

In that regard, the Timberwolves can’t do much better than Okongwu, an intimidating rim protector with the mobility to defend and space and handle a variety of frontcourt assignments. He’s a special defensive prospect but he also has a meaningful offensive role to play with his rim-rolling instincts and positive indicators as both a shooter and passer. If you were designing a player in a lab to accentuate Towns’ strengths and cover for his weaknesses, that player would look a lot like Okongwu.

Learn more about Onyeka Okongwu with our full scouting report.