Previewing the Timberwolves' NBA Draft options

Glen Taylor, Gersson Rosas and Ethan Casson
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, left, new team President of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, center, and CEO Ethan Casson pose after a press conference introducing Rosas at the Target Center in Minneapolis on May 6, 2019.
Elizabeth Flores | Star Tribune via AP

Last week, the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Less than 48 hours later, the Los Angeles Lakers agreed on a blockbuster trade to acquire all-star forward and center Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.

That's life in the NBA — where drama never has an off day. On Thursday the drama continues, as the league hosts the annual NBA Draft.

Every team in the association has done their due diligence. They've scouted players, conducted interviews, attended NBA combines, scrimmages, NCAA and international basketball games. Each of the 30 teams in the NBA can draft the player, or players, that may kick-start their rebuild or play a key role in a strong playoff push next season — and perhaps for years to come.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be hoping for the latter. Newly appointed President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas and his retooled front office have important decisions to make before the clock ticks down on their selection.

They could look to move up in the draft, which would require moving their 11th pick and other assets. If they're interested in selecting two or more promising rookies, they could also look to trade down, giving up the 11th pick for multiple, later picks. They may even consider trading their pick for an established star.

Weekend Edition host John Wanamaker spoke with MPR News sports junkie and host of The Come-Up NBA Podcast, Jeffrey Bissoy, about what to expect from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2019 NBA Draft.

They also took a look back at the NBA Finals and the implications of Toronto's win on other teams in the league, including the Timberwolves. Click on the audio links above to listen.

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