NBA Draft 2020: 5 best fits for Onyeka Okongwu

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Of all the guys available, there might not be a better partner in the post for Karl-Anthony Towns than Okongwu. Every deficiency of Towns’ is a strength of Okongwu’s, and every deficiency of Okongwu’s is a strength of Towns’.

The front office knows this, but hasn’t settled on the right guy at the 4. They tried their hands at Jordan Bell, who played a Draymond Green Lite role for the Warriors, but it turns out there are only so many Draymond Greens in the world.

Okongwu may be the best facsimile available. A defensive-minded forward/big who knows his role on offense is exactly what the sweet-shooting, super-skilled Towns needs in a frontcourt friend.

The only issue here is value. He’s the best fit of anyone near the top of draft boards, but he also may not be worth the first overall pick, which the Minnesota Timberwolves currently own.

That being said, he’s also more immediate help than those ranked above him. And with Minnesota’s cornerstone entering his sixth year in the league (and owed $130 million over the next four seasons), the time to compete is now. Okongwu satisfies that need.

The shrewd maneuver would be to trade down, nab him a few spots lower and pick up an extra asset. But other teams aren’t stupid; they know that’s Minnesota’s best option. Not to mention, there isn’t anyone in this class that teams are salivating to trade up for.

Minny could get bold and just draft him at No. 1. It would be a slight surprise to people around the league, especially to those enamored with Wiseman, but if that’s your guy, you get him however you can.

Learn more about Onyeka Okongwu with our full scouting report.