Wolves offseason preview

As free agency begins at midnight EST time tonight, I will take a look at what the Timberwolves could do in free agency. With the cap going up, they will have roughly $29 million in cap space to play with, but will need to spend wisely, mostly with shorter contracts due to players like Gorgui Dieng and Andrew Wiggins being due new contracts shortly.

Drafting Kris Dunn fills the need of a backup point guard Minnesota desperately needed. I do not think the Timberwolves will trade Ricky Rubio, at least this offseason. However, next offseason could be a different story. But as of now, unless a team blows the Wolves away in a trade offer after failing to sign Mike Conley in free agency, I see Rubio back in a Wolves uniform this upcoming season.

The two biggest needs heading into this free agency are shooting and another big man. With Joakim Noah reportedly going to get an $18 million per year offer from the New York Knicks, the market has now been set. If Noah does indeed get that, it will be interesting to see what Dwight Howard and Hassan Whiteside are able to get since they are both better at this point than Noah. Minnesota is interested in the former Chicago big man, but will not get in a bidding war to sign him.

One player the Wolves are interested in is power forward Ryan Anderson. He would help out in both categories. He is not a good defender, which the Wolves need, but he is a career 38 percent 3-point shooter. Anderson would command a significant amount, as he was coming off a 17 point per game season. Brandon Bass is a less expensive option that has been talked about as a possible Minnesota target as well, as is Minnesotan Kris Humphries.

As far as shooting goes, the Wolves are rumored to be interested in many wings. First off, while D.J. Augustin is a point guard, he would significantly help the shooting on the team and would be able excel off the ball playing with terrific passers in Rubio and Dunn. Randy Foye had a down season a year ago, but he would be a less expensive option. He only shot 30 percent from 3-point land last season, but shoots at a 37 percent clip from there in his career. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford could be an option as well, as could Courtney Lee and Eric Gordon

One other player to watch for is Luol Deng. I don't know if he would come to Minnesota and he would be an expensive option, but he would be a big-time get for the Wolves. He is a versatile small forward who can play power forward at times and played for Tom Thibodeau in Chicago.

Whatever happens, this will be a wild free agency. With the cap increase, this summer will be a free-for-all. The Wolves will not sign one of the big fish like Kevin Durant, Conley or Whiteside, but with the bench being a trainwreck a season ago, I expect the Wolves to sign some solid bench players this summer. I will take a stab at who the Wolves will sign in free agency. I will without question be wrong, but I will predict the Timberwolves sign D.J. Augustin, Courtney Lee and Kris Humphries, although I could see the Wolves signing two big men and one guard.

Mock Draft version 3.0

Today is the day. The NBA Draft will take place tonight and the trade season has already begun. With Derrick Rose, George Hill and Jeff Teague all on new teams, the draft is sure to have more dealing. Here is what (probably) is my final mock draft...

1) Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU (previous: Ben Simmons)

With the 76ers willingness to trade one or both big men Nerlens Noel and last year's first round pick Joel Okafor, that means that Philadelphia will be taking Simmons No. 1. I originally had Duke's Brandon Ingram going No. 1, but after the 76ers put both Noel and Okafor on the block, Simmons became the pick. Many people believe Simmons has the most star potential in this draft. Simmons needs to work on his shooting, but he has terrific passing skills and scoring ability. He also can get to the free throw line at will.

2) Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke (previous: Brandon Ingram)

Los Angeles is in the easiest position in this draft. The consensus first two selections are Simmons and Ingram. Philadelphia will take Simmons, so Ingram will be the No. 2 pick for the Lakers. He is a good fit for Los Angeles. He has tremendous wingspan and uses it well to finish at the rim. He is also a very good shooter. Ingram gives Los Angeles a future it can get excited about with D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle already on the team.

3) Boston Celtics: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence (previous: Kris Dunn)

The draft really begins with this pick. There are many options for the Celtics and no one really knows what Boston will do. Ideally, they'd like to trade this pick for an established All-Star. But, if they keep the pick, a lot of scouts believe Dunn is the third best player in this draft. The Celtics like guards who can play defense and Dunn fits. Point guard is also a weak position in this class and Dunn is by far the best in this class. The Celtics are desperately trying to trade this pick for a veteran, having tried to trade it for Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, Gordon Hayward and Jimmy Butler. I don't know what team will pick No. 3, but my gut says whatever team that picks No. 3 will take the Providence point guard.

4) Phoenix Suns: Jaylen Brown, SF, California (previous: Marquese Chriss)

I have gone back and forth on this one. Jaylen Brown could go anywhere from No. 3 to No. 8. I'll have him going here. They will go with one of Brown, Chriss or Dragan Bender. I'll go with Brown for this one. The Suns are set at the guard position, but need help desperately in the front court. Brown needs to improve his shooting, but he will step in as the starter right away.

5) Minnesota Timberwolves: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky (previous: Buddy Hield)

For the first time this year, I have the Wolves taking Murray, even with Buddy Hield still on the board. Reading tweets by Darren Wolfson, Chad Ford, etc. makes me think that Murray would be the pick at five. Obviously, Minnesota is still looking to trade the No. 5 pick, but if they are unable to find a trade partner, I think it will be Murray. The Wolves have a desperate need for shooting since Minnesota was near the bottom in both 3-point percentage and 3-pointers made.

6) New Orleans Pelicans: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma (previous: Jamal Murray)

New Orleans had injury problems this year, specifically with its guards. Both Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans played fewer than 50 games. Jrue Holiday was also injured quite a bit this past season. They all are also free agents in 2017. Hield would be a good place to start re-tooling the guard positions. Hield is arguably the best shooter in the draft and would come in and play early.

7) Denver Nuggets: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia (previous: Dragan Bender)

Bender is the mystery player in this draft. Many people actually believe Bender is better than last year's No. 4 overall pick Kristaps Porzingis. He could be a key player off the bench for the Nuggets until he is ready. He will play behind Kenneth Faried for a year or two. However, Faried is on the block and could be moved on draft night.He has not had consistent playing time, as he averaged only 4.5 points per game, but he has plenty of skills to work with that could make him a very good big man,

8) Sacramento Kings: Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington (previous: Jalen Brown)

There are eight players......and then the rest. Chriss is the last of the eight. He has been a fast riser and could go as high as No. 4 to Phoenix. Sacramento just drafted a big man last season, but Willie Cauley-Stein did not do much this past year. When you are drafting this high, they have to go with the best player and most people would agree that Chriss is the best player on the board.

9) Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah (previous: Jakob Poeltl)

Poeltl is considered by most to be the best center in this draft and Bismack Biyombo is set to hit the open market and the Raptors will not be able to keep both him and Demar DeRozan. I think Biyombo will get the opportunity to start somewhere and Poeltl will jump in and fill that void. If DeRozan leaves, shooting guard becomes a major priority as well, but at this point, the best available players are project big men.

10) Milwaukee Bucks: Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Gonzaga (previous: Domantas Sabonis)

Milwaukee will no doubt get pressure to choose the homestate player in Henry Ellenson, much like it did last year when Sam Dekker was on the board when it chose in the first round. But Sabonis is a very good player, averaging a double double last season for the Zags. He can play either the four or five, so he could be valuable off the bench when giving one of the starters a breather.

11) Orlando Magic: Skal Labissiere, PF/C, Kentucky (previous: Skal Labissiere)

Orlando needs another big man to help rotate with Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. Labissiere did not play as well as many people thought he would, coming to Kentucky as one of the top high school prospects in the country. He could have used another year in Lexington, but he does have what scouts look for. He has a very nice jump shot and is a good defender with the potential to be a great one with his length and quickness. He will take a few years to develop, though.

12. Atlanta Hawks: Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State (previous: Utah taking Henry Ellenson)

After trading Jeff Teague to give the reins over to Dennis Schroder, Atlanta is looking to trade up with picks 12 and 21. I don't know how high they could get, but I doubt the Hawks can move up too far. Al Horford is a free agent and while I do think he will re-sign, Atlanta could use a backup to Horford.

13. Phoenix Suns: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette (previous: Malachi Richardson)

After drafting Brown at No. 4, the Suns need to take a big man here. Ellenson may go a few spots higher, but the Suns are thrilled he is here. He is a good mid-range jump shooter and has the potential to be a good player for the Suns.

14) Chicago Bulls: Wade Baldwin, PG, Vanderbilt (previous: Wade Baldwin)

Chicago is need of a point guard. Derrick Rose was just traded to the Knicks and the Bulls don't really have a backup plan at point guard. The Bulls have been dangling Jimmy Butler out there in the hopes of attaining a pick high enough for them to get Dunn. But as it is, the Bulls get the next best point guard in the draft. He may need to be thrown into the fire early on. If Butler is still on the team, he would help the transition to Baldwin at the point.

15) Denver Nuggets: Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey (previous: Furkan Korkmaz)

Denver is rumored to have significant interest in the International shooting guard and with a roster full of youth, the Nuggets can afford to stash Korkmaz overseas for a few years. They already drafted Bender, so they don't have much room to be able to keep many more rookies on the team. I just don't see him slipping past pick 15. It's just a logical choice.

16) Boston Celtics: Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State (previous: Deyonta Davis)

Boston needs shooting in the worst way and Valentine is one of the best on the board. He was arguably the best player in college basketball last season. He not only is a great shooter, but he is also a very good rebounder and passer. He would be a very good option for Dunn and the Celtics coming off the bench.

17) Memphis Grizzlies: Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse (previous: Dejounte Murray)

CBSSports' Jon Rothstein said that Richardson is on the short list for the Grizzlies at pick No. 17. The other player on the list is Wade Baldwin.....and he is already gone, so Richardson it is. He is rumored to have a promise from the Grizzlies to be drafted in this spot, but those are always broken. Richardson needs to improve his shooting if he wants to make his way on the court early on in his NBA career.

18) Detroit Pistons: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina (previous: Brice Johnson)

Detroit was looking for big man help at the deadline, so I have them taking the big-time big man from North Carolina, especially after losing Greg Monroe in free agency last season. I could see them taking Cheick Diallo as well as Notre Dame guard Demetrius Jackson.

19) Denver Nuggets: Timothe Luwawu, SG/SF, France (previous: Ivica Zubac)

Luwawu may very well be the best player on the board. He is a good shooter and has good athleticism. The Nuggets hope he comes over immediately and can contribute.

20)  Indiana Pacers: Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas (previous: Cheick Diallo)

Indiana does not have much at the power forward, so Diallo would help the position. Diallo is perhaps the most raw player in this draft, as he averaged just three points per game. He will have to sit and learn for a bit before being able to help out the Pacers.

21. Atlanta Hawks: Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, Washington (previous: Juan Hernangomez)

After trading Jeff Teague, the Hawks could be in the market for a backup point guard. If the Hawks don't trade this pick along with No. 12 to move up, I could see them taking a backup guard like Murray. He could have benefited from another year with the Huskies, but he does have a lot of potential. Needs to get stronger and become a better shooter.

22) Charlotte Hornets: Thon Maker, PF/C, Australia (previous: Thon Maker)

Maker, much like Bender, is one of this draft's great unknowns. He has a lot of talent and potential. He is really raw as a prospect, and some team with the ability to be able to let him sit and learn for awhile will draft him late in the first. Al Jefferson is an unrestricted free agent, so they'll need to replace him soon, even if he is re-signed on a short term deal.

23) Boston Celtics: Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia (previous: Timothe Luwawu)

Now, I don't see the Celtics keeping all of their picks, but I will say that the Celtics take Zubac here. Zubac has an affordable opt-out of his current team overseas, so we can expect to see him in the NBA next season. Boston needs a big man and Zubac has good size and length, but is still a very raw prospect. I think him sitting for a bit would benefit him down the road.

24) Philadelphia 76ers: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame (previous: Demetrius Jackson)

With the second of two first round picks, Philadelphia should think about taking a point guard. Maybe the 76ers can use these next two firsts to trade up for one into the teens. Jackson is ready to come in and play right away.

25) Los Angeles Clippers: DeAndre Bembry, SG/SF, St. Joseph's (previous: DeAndre Bembry)

Bembry is an athletic wing who almost helped St. Joe's to an upset of top seeded Oregon in the NCAA Tournament. He did not have a great shooting performance, but he still scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Paul Pierce is on his last legs and the Clippers will need a replacement. He is a good passer and he had a good assist-to-turnover ratio. He can also finish at the rim very well.

26) Philadelphia 76ers: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State (previous: Denzel Valentine)

After addressing the point guard position, the 76ers need to address the wings. Philadelphia needs shooting and Beasley is a terrific shooter who will step in and help out the 76ers' perimeter shooting right away. He does not have ideal size for the shooting guard position, but makes up for it with his elevation on his jump shot. He has the potential to be an excellent player.

27) Toronto Raptors: Juan Hernangomez, SF/PF, Spain (previous: Taurean Prince)

Toronto reportedly very interested in the Spanish forward. He very easily could be picked before here during tonight's draft. He is strong and quick and has a solid mid-range jump shot. He will need to expand his range a bit to beyond the 3-point line. He plays with great energy.

28) Phoenix Suns: Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor (previous: Diamond Stone)

Phoenix could go with a European stash since this is its third first round pick, but instead I have the Suns taking the Baylor forward who knows what a rebound is. Prince is the best player available, regardless of position, which is why he goes here, despite the fact that the Suns took Brown at pick No. 4.

29) San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky (previous: Tyler Ulis)

According to CBSSports' Jon Rothstein, the Spurs are doing extensive research on Ulis. It could be a smokescreen, but the Spurs do need a point guard to prepare for life after Tony Parker. Why not draft Parker's heir apparent and let him sit and learn for a few years while he gets prepared to play big time minutes?

30) Golden State Warriors: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia (previous: Ante Zizic)

Golden State was destroyed by Tristan Thompson's rebounding in the NBA Finals. Cleveland won the Finals based largely on second chance points. The Warriors largely play a small forward at the power forward position. They certainly could use another rebounding big who can help them rebound to avoid giving up second chance points.

Timberwolves top three draft needs

The draft is now down to a day away and Minnesota faces a big decision. The Timberwolves have not made the playoffs since the 2003-04 season. Despite the fact that the Wolves are heading in the right direction, Minnesota has plenty of holes to fill before becoming a playoff team. Here are my top three:

3. Backup point guard

I don't believe Zach LaVine can carry the load as the backup point guard. He is better suited as a shooting guard. Tyus Jones won't cut it as the backup to Rubio, which is why Tom Thibodeau is looking so heavily at point guards in the draft. If Kris Dunn is there, I expect Thibodeau to select the Providence point guard. If he goes No. 3, the Wolves should look at a veteran backup point guard in free agency because I doubt they will be able to find a quality backup if they were to buy a late first round pick since Minnesota does not have any more picks after No. 5. There are plenty of free agent point guards who would love to play for the Wolves.

2. Starting power forward

I like Gorgui Dieng as a player, but I think he is better as a backup. He will be a very good backup and has proven that he is a capable starter when other starting big men are out. I do believe that Dieng will be the starter this season and that the Wolves will sign someone like Joakim Noah during free agency to play behind Dieng and Karl-Anthony Towns. Dieng is replaceable as a starter, though, and if somebody comes along, then Thibodeau should and will take advantage.

1. Shooting

Minnesota was down near the bottom in both 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage. Minnesota needs shooting in the worst way. If Dunn were to be gone, I think the Timberwolves will draft either Buddy Hield or Jamal Murray.Thibodeau knows how much the Wolves need shooting and he will address this in the draft or during free agency.

NBA Mock Draft version 2.0

With the draft just three days away, I think it is about time to make a new mock draft. It seems like Boston holds all the cards in the draft as no one knows what the Celtics will do at pick No. 3.

1) Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU (previous: Brandon Ingram)

With the 76ers willingness to trade one or both big men Nerlens Noel and last year's first round pick Joel Okafor, that means that Philadelphia will be taking Simmons No. 1. I originally had Duke's Brandon Ingram going No. 1, but after the 76ers put both Noel and Okafor on the block, Simmons became the pick. Many people believe Simmons has the most star potential in this draft. Simmons needs to work on his shooting, but he has terrific passing skills and scoring ability. He also can get to the free throw line at will.

2) Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke (previous: Ben Simmons)

Los Angeles is in the easiest position in this draft. The consensus first two selections are Simmons and Ingram. Philadelphia will take Simmons, so Ingram will be the No. 2 pick for the Lakers. He is a good fit for Los Angeles. He has tremendous wingspan and uses it well to finish at the rim. He is also a very good shooter. Ingram gives Los Angeles a future it can get excited about with D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle already on the team.

3) Boston Celtics: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence (previous: Dragan Bender)

The draft really begins with this pick. There are many options for the Celtics and no one really knows what Boston will do. Ideally, they'd like to trade this pick for an established All-Star. But, if they keep the pick, a lot of scouts believe Dunn is the third best player in this draft. The Celtics like guards who can play defense and Dunn fits. Point guard is also a weak position in this class and Dunn is by far the best in this class.

4) Phoenix Suns: Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington (previous: Jaylen Brown)

Chriss has been shooting up draft boards recently and may now have passed up Dragan Bender as the No. 1 power forward on many team's draft board. The Suns already have a nice trio of guards in Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker, but after trading Markieff Morris at the trade deadline, Phoenix will be in the market for a big man and the Suns will likely have their choice between Chriss and Bender or Jaylen Brown may be a possibility here as well.

5) Minnesota Timberwolves: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma (previous: Buddy Hield)

I think Minnesota would love if Dunn fell to them at No. 5, but in this draft, I have him going two picks earlier. However, in this scenario, I have the Wolves having a nice trio to choose from in Hield, Jamal Murray or Dragan Bender. Tom Thibodeau has not shown the willingness to play younger players much during his tenure in Chicago, so here is a compromise. The Timberwolves would love to trade this pick for an established veteran, but if they don't get what they would like, Buddy Hield is an older rookie and will be able to play right away. Minnesota desperately needs shooting, as it was near the bottom in both 3-point percentage and 3-pointers made last season.

6) New Orleans Pelicans: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky (previous: Kris Dunn)

New Orleans had injury problems this year, specifically with its guards. Both Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans played fewer than 50 games. Jrue Holiday was also injured quite a bit this past season. They all are also free agents in 2017. Murray would be a good place to start re-tooling the guard positions. Murray is one of the better shooters in the draft and would come in and play early.

7) Denver Nuggets: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia (previous: Jamal Murray)

Bender is the mystery player in this draft. Many people actually believe Bender is better than last year's No. 4 overall pick Kristaps Porzingis. He could be a key player off the bench for the Nuggets until he is ready. He will play behind Kenneth Faried for a year or two. He has not had consistent playing time, as he averaged only 4.5 points per game, but he has plenty of skills to work with that could make him a very good big man,

8) Sacramento Kings: Jaylen Brown, SF, California (previous: Deyonta Davis)

Many feel that there is a big drop-off after the top eight prospects. Brown could go earlier, and some think he even is in play at No. 3 to Boston, but I have him going No. 8 here. He will have to wait his turn as he will play behind Rudy Gay to start his career. He will need to improve his outside shooting if he wants to play much early on. But he is the best player on the board, according to most, so it is an easy choice here.

9) Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah (previous: Marquese Chriss)

Poeltl is considered by most to be the best center in this draft and Bismack Biyombo is set to hit the open market and the Raptors will not be able to keep both him and Demar DeRozan. I think Biyombo will get the opportunity to start somewhere and Poeltl will jump in and fill that void. If DeRozan leaves, shooting guard becomes a major priority as well, but at this point, the best available players are project big men.

10) Milwaukee Bucks: Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Gonzaga (previous: Jakob Poeltl)

Milwaukee will no doubt get pressure to choose the homestate player in Henry Ellenson, much like it did last year when Sam Dekker was on the board when it chose in the first round. But Sabonis is a very good player, averaging a double double last season for the Zags. He can play either the four or five, so he could be valuable off the bench when giving one of the starters a breather.

11) Orlando Magic: Skal Labissiere, PF/C, Kentucky (previous: Skal Labisiere)

Orlando needs another big man to help rotate with Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. Labissiere did not play as well as many people thought he would, coming to Kentucky as one of the top high school prospects in the country. He could have used another year in Lexington, but he does have what scouts look for. He has a very nice jump shot and is a good defender with the potential to be a great one with his length and quickness. He will take a few years to develop, though.

12) Utah Jazz: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette (previous: Furkan Korkmaz)

Utah has a plethora of young talent, so they add one of the best players available. He has a nice jump shot and will likely sit for a few years, developing behind Derrick Favors. He does not have the athleticism that scouts look for, which could knock him down to the late teens, but there is a place for big men who can shoot. He will need to stretch his range out to 3-point territory, but he is still a solid jump shooter.

13) Phoenix Suns: Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse (previous: Henry Ellenson)

After drafting a big with pick No. 4, I could see the Suns taking another big man, but here I have them taking a guard who can also play the three. The 6-6 wing is another player who would have been better off staying in school another year, but has the ability to become a good player and make an impact early like Devin Booker did last season. He needs to work on his shooting, as he only shot 37 percent last season. Phoenix has three firsts, so it would not surprise me if the Suns tried to move up, especially if Jaylen Brown starts to slide a bit.

14) Chicago Bulls: Wade Baldwin, PG, Vanderbilt (previous: Denzel Valentine)

Chicago is need of a point guard. Derrick Rose is extremely fragile. The Bulls have been dangling Jimmy Butler out there in the hopes of attaining a pick high enough for them to get Dunn. But as it is, the Bulls get the next best point guard in the draft. He could learn under Rose for a bit before taking over for him when he inevitably gets hurt.

15) Denver Nuggets: Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey (previous: Domantas Sabonis)

Denver is rumored to have significant interest in the International shooting guard and with a roster full of youth, the Nuggets can afford to stash Korkmaz overseas for a few years. They already drafted Bender, so they don't have much room to be able to keep many more rookies on the team. I just don't see him slipping past pick 15. It's just a logical choice.

16) Boston Celtics: Deyonta Davis, PF, Michigan State (previous: Timothe Luwawu)

Boston needs length and athleticism on the front line and Davis would add to that. He has the potential to be a very good player. Jared Sullinger is not going to cut it as the starting power forward and Dunn and Davis could be a terrific duo in the future.

17) Memphis Grizzlies: Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, Washington (previous: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame)

Mike Conley is a free agent and may not return. Memphis would be happy if Richardson fell, but he goes earlier here. Murray is a fast-riser on draft boards and he could take the spot of Conley if he were to leave. I could see them taking a big as well since Marc Gasol is coming off a season-ending injury and Zach Randolph is getting up there in age.

18) Detroit Pistons: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina (previous: Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas

Detroit was looking for big man help at the deadline, so I have them taking the big-time big man from North Carolina, especially after losing Greg Monroe in free agency last season. I could see them taking Cheick Diallo as well.

19) Denver Nuggets: Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia (previous: Taurean Prince)

Denver could take another player it can stash overseas. The Nuggets could possibly trade up since they have three first round picks in the top 20. Denver has a chance to really stock up and help them become a contender in the Western Conference.

20)  Indiana Pacers: Cheick Diallo, PF/C, Kansas (previous: Brice Johnson)

Indiana does not have much at the power forward, so Diallo would help the position. Diallo is perhaps the most raw player in this draft, as he averaged just three points per game. He will have to sit and learn for a bit before being able to help out the Pacers.

21) Atlanta Hawks: Juan Hernangomez, SF/PF, Spain (previous: Damian Jones)

After losing DeMarre Carroll in free agency last season and possibly losing Al Horford this offseason, Atlanta may need a forward if Horford leaves. Even if he doesn't, they could still use a reserve big man.

22) Charlotte Hornets: Thon Maker, PF/C, Australia (previous: Thon Maker)

Maker, much like Bender, is one of this draft's great unknowns. He has a lot of talent and potential. He is really raw as a prospect, and some team with the ability to be able to let him sit and learn for awhile will draft him late in the first. Al Jefferson is an unrestricted free agent, so they'll need to replace him soon, even if he is re-signed on a short term deal.

23) Boston Celtics: Timothe Luwawu, SG/SF, France (previous: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia)

Boston could use a wing with Evan Turner being a free agent. He has terrific athleticism and is a solid scorer. He also is a solid passer as well. He has a long wingspan, so with that and his athleticism, he has a chance to be a very good defender at the next level.

24) Philadelphia 76ers: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame (previous: Malik Beasley)

With the second of two first round picks, Philadelphia should think about taking a point guard. Maybe the 76ers can use these next two firsts to trade up for one into the teens. Jackson is ready to come in and play right away.

25) Los Angeles Clippers: DeAndre Bembry, SG/SF, St. Joseph's (previous: DeAndre Bembry)

Bembry is an athletic wing who almost helped St. Joe's to an upset of top seeded Oregon in the NCAA Tournament. He did not have a great shooting performance, but he still scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Paul Pierce is on his last legs and the Clippers will need a replacement. He is a good passer and he had a good assist-to-turnover ratio. He can also finish at the rim very well.

26) Philadelphia 76ers: Denzel Valentine (previous: Wade Baldwin)

The 76ers quickly run up to give the card to Adam Silver for this pick, The 76ers could take a European stash, but Vanentine is too good to pass up and Philly just needs to look for anyone who can help the team right now. Valentine should (and probably will) go higher. He has a very good jump shot and was arguably the best player in college basketball last season. He will jump in and play right away for the re-building 76ers.

27) Toronto Raptors: Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor (previous: Malachi Richardson)

 Toronto looks around and sees who the best player available is, regardless of position, and so they draft Prince. He has the quickness to be able to guard both shooting guards and small forwards in the NBA. He also is a solid shooter and is ready to contribute in the NBA immediately.

28) Phoenix Suns: Diamond Stone, C, Maryland (previous: Zhou Qi)

Phoenix could go with a European stash since this is its third first round pick, but instead I have the Suns taking the young, talented center from Maryland. He will need to sit a bit to mature before making a significant impact. Phoenix can be patient with Stone and develop him into a very good big man.

29) San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky (previous: Diamond Stone)

According to CBSSports' Jon Rothstein, the Spurs are doing extensive research on Ulis. It could be a smokescreen, but the Spurs do need a point guard to prepare for life after Tony Parker. Why not draft Parker's heir apparent and let him sit and learn for a few years while he gets prepared to play big time minutes?

30) Golden State Warriors: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia (previous: Brice Johnson)

Golden State was destroyed by Tristan Thompson's rebounding in the NBA Finals. Cleveland won the Finals based largely on second chance points. The Warriors largely play a small forward at the power forward position. They certainly could use another rebounding big who can help them rebound to avoid giving up second chance points.

Wolves should not trade for Jimmy Butler

Recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves have expressed interest in a deal for Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler and has made pick No. 5 available in a deal. However, Chicago has said that it wants forward Andrew Wiggins in any deal involving Butler. If Chicago wants Wiggins and No. 5, if I were Minnesota, I would hang up. Butler is a good player, but I don’t see him worth a top five pick and one of the best young players in the game.

I can see why new coach Tom Thibodeau wants to trade for Butler. He is one of the top 15-20 players in the NBA and plays tremendous defense, and defense has been lacking for the Timberwolves for the last number of years. He knows Thibodeau’s system well, having played for him for the first four years of his NBA career.

Now, I would think about a deal for Zach LaVine and No. 5, but not Wiggins and No. 5. Wiggins is a great Robin next to Karl-Anthony Towns’ Batman. Wiggins and Butler are very similar players. Wiggins does not play the kind of defense that Butler does, but he has the potential to do so. However, even with a deal with LaVine and No. 5, it would be troubling since Wiggins, Butler and Rubio all cannot shoot the ball well. Because Rubio and Butler are not good shooters, they would not work well together. At least Wiggins’ athleticism suits Rubio’s game well despite the fact that he shoots a low percentage from deep. The Timberwolves would be better off using the No. 5 pick on a shooter like Kentucky’s Jamal Murray or Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield and keeping LaVine.

Butler also has an injury history. He has only played more than 67 games once and that was his second season when he only started 20 games and only played 26 minutes per game. I don’t think it is worth trading a player like Wiggins as well as a top pick to get a player who won’t even play 70 games in a season, regardless of how good of a player Butler is. If he is this broken down in his 20s, it will only get worse as he gets to 30 and beyond.

Minnesota needs shooting in the worst way. The Timberwolves were 25th in the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage at 33.8 percent and were second to last in 3-point field goals made. Butler would not help that at all, as he just shot 31 percent from behind the 3-point line. Minnesota would be better off drafting one of the draft’s sharp shooters, either Murray or Hield.

Now, I do not believe that Butler will be a Timberwolf. Darren Wolfson does not think Butler will move anywhere, especially to the Timberwolves. He does not see Chicago wanting to help out Thibodeau. If there was a team he may go to, it would probably be Boston, but I doubt he goes there unless they are blown away.

Wolves should not overthink it, take Hield or Murray

Flashback to 2009 and Minnesota has both the No. 5 and No. 6 pick in the draft. Ricky Rubio was taken by the Wolves with the fifth pick and they had a decision to make with the next pick. Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn decided to take Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn........one selection before the Golden State Warriors selected some guy out of Davidson named Stephen Curry.

Fast forward to the the 2016 draft and one or both of the draft's sharp shooters will most likely be available to the Wolves at pick No. 5. Minnesota has two enormous needs heading into the draft, a starting power forward and shooting.

It sounds like the top four in the draft will be the big two in this draft, LSU forward Ben Simmons and Duke forward Brandon Ingram, along with Providence point guard Kris Dunn and International big man Dragan Bender. That would leave the Wolves with a choice to make. Minnesota could still trade the pick, but if they keep it, which top shooting guard does it take?

Oklahoma's Buddy Hield is a bit older as a prospect, but he may be the most pro ready prospect in the draft. He is ready to come in and contribute right away. For a coach like Tom Thibodeau who favors older players, Hield would make sense. He averaged 25 points per game, which was second in the country and he shot 46 percent from behind the 3-point line.

As good as Hield was during the regular season, he took his game up to another level in the NCAA Tournament. He averaged more than 25 points per game on 53 percent shooting. He scored 37 in Oklahoma's Elite 8 win against Oregon. He struggled against Villanova in the Final Four, but that does not take away from the incredible tournament he had up until that point. He has a tremendous work ethic and will work to improve his weaknesses. He would be a safe pick for the Wolves and I believe he would make teams foolish for passing on him.

Murray, on the other hand, is a freshman who did not shoot as well as Hield this past season, but most people consider him to have a greater upside than Hield. Although not as good of a shooting year as the Oklahoma star, Murray still had a very good year. He is a combo guard, but is best suited to play off the ball, much like current Wolf Zach LaVine.

Murray shot 45 percent overall and 41 percent from deep, helping lead his Kentucky Wildcats to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He has shown glimpses of what he can be as a player. Murray was consistent for the Wildcats, scoring in double figures in every game except for one and scored more than 20 in 12 consecutive games late in the year.

As of right now, Dunn is a possibility at No. 5 and would probably be the pick if he were to fall to them. But people seem to think a team may trade in front of the Wolves to take the point guard from Providence. A lot can change as we near the draft, but with the Wolves in need of shooting, Hield or Murray would be the best way to go in two weeks.

Kevin Durant should go to............Minnesota?

Potentially the most coveted free agent this offseason will be Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. The Thunder are coming off a heartbreaking Western Conference Finals loss to Golden State in which Oklahoma City had a 3-1 series lead, but lost the final three games.

Durant will have a number of suitors trying to convince him to play for their team. Now, I know they have no shot at getting the Slim Reaper, but the one team that he should go to is.......the Minnesota Timberwolves. Yes, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After you stop laughing, my question would be 'Why not?' Minnesota has two of the best young players in the game in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, the last two Rookies of the Year. Add in one of the best passing point guards in the NBA in Ricky Rubio and you have a team that would challenge the Warriors as the best team in the league. And I have not even mentioned Minnesota now has one of the best and most well-respected coaches in the league in Tom Thibodeau.

One of the biggest needs for the Timberwolves heading into the offseason is shooting. Minnesota was tied for 25th in 3-point shooting percentage and 29th in 3-pointers made, only ahead of Milwaukee. Not only was the Durantula third in the NBA in scoring this season, but he also shot 39 percent from behind the 3-point line. That would have put him second on the Wolves last season, only behind Zach LaVine.

I realize that Durant will want to go to a bigger market because he will be more marketable in a bigger market, which means more money. However, I do think that Durant should stay in a smaller market, like an Oklahoma City or Minnesota. Oklahoma City does not have the toughest reporters in the country asking him questions after every game.

Two years ago, The Oklahoman apologized for writing a headline calling Durant "Mr. Unreliable." If he were to go to Los Angeles, New York or Boston, they would never apologize for writing such a headline. If he has a tough time with the Oklahoma City media, there is no way he would be able to handle the media in a major market.

Yes, I know it is the longest of long shots, but I really do believe that if he wants to win a championship, Minnesota is the team to go to. With two potential superstars already on the roster and another potential All-Star in LaVine, it would be foolish not to consider Minnesota. Just imagine a lineup with Rubio, Wiggins, Durant, Dieng and Towns with LaVine, whomever the Wolves choose at No. 5 and Shabazz Muhammad off the bench. Wow! I know it will never happen, but hey, I can dream, can't I?