Ok, explain why you Minn would pick Okafor over KAT?

[KMKAT]

I'm sitting here watching AD highlights on the DP show, and tell me which guy is more favorable to the skillset of AD?

I like Okafor, but the ceiling IMO is higher on KAT as far as impacting a game.

I'm sure most here will favor KAT, but it's almost funny to think that Okafor is rated even with KAT. I see Okafor as Carmelo Anthony in the post.

The Lakers would be elated to see KAT fall to 2.

 

[MWes11]

I can't see KAT falling to #2. I hope he does go to the Lakers though so he can team up with JR. Some people think that Okafor is the more polished offensive post player so they could plug and play him for 15 and 10 right away. But yes, KAT is a future HOFer if he stays healthy, IMO.

 

[W_Heisenberg]

Both are very highly skilled players, you seriously can't go wrong with either...KAT is a better shooter and defender, Okafor is more polished in the post and stronger. Both good passers, and have high basketball IQ with a hard work ethic.

Are there reasons why Okafor would go #1? Absolutely, and legit reasons. So not like it's an insane notion.

I'd take KAT, but i'm not a NBA scout so what do I know, I don't see these guys in workouts/combines/etc. And we don't know if Minn will select him over KAT so hard to question it as of today.

 

[throatpoker]

because we're a losing franchise and that's what we do, make poor decisions

 

[KA4Prez]

If people think D'Angelo Russell is in the same mold as Steph Curry, James Harden or Russell Westbrook, it might be hard to not pick him #1. Saw where the Wolves are considering it and want to trade Rubio.

I think Okafor and Towns can both be dominant offensive big men, but the current NBA is also a league that seems to be trending away from that. Bigs are still important, but great defense, passing, rebounding and some scoring seems to be what teams want. Your Dwight Howard's, Marc Gasol's, DeAndre Jordan's, Andre Drummond's, etc...

Not that he is, but if Minnesota believes Dieng can be that and that Russell is in the same mold as those 3 I mentioned, a Russell/Wiggins combo would be tough to turn down.

 

[W_Heisenberg]

Also, consider the franchise (as throatpoker alluded to)...they aren't very good and likely won't be very good consistently. Stars aren't going there, and elite guys will likely leave once their first deal expires. So they have to think in the now, like 2-3 years vs. 10 years.

Okafor is more ready now, hard to argue that. KAT is getting there and has higher up-side, but likely will take a couple years to really start reaching full potential. Chances are when he does that, he's with another team. So you try to put something together with Wiggins to win and maybe convince one of them to sign a max deal.

 

[gossie21]

They did draft both Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn with Steph Curry still on the board. And they picked up Ty Lawson and Nick Calathes later on for a total of 4 point guards in one draft. None of which was named Steph Curry.

 

[jrpross]

Okafor is awesome in the post but it'll be a transition for him just like every other rookie to play against NBA big guys. Towns gives you more versatility in that he can shoot from outside too. As a franchise in the rebuilding stage, I would think they'd take the upside rather than the guy who's more polished right now but honestly, if they decide they want a post player that will come in and give them a polished offensive presence right now, I couldn't blame them for that either.

 

[Brando Mac]

Also, consider the franchise (as throatpoker alluded to)...they aren't very good and likely won't be very good consistently. Stars aren't going there, and elite guys will likely leave once their first deal expires. So they have to think in the now, like 2-3 years vs. 10 years.

Okafor is more ready now, hard to argue that. KAT is getting there and has higher up-side, but likely will take a couple years to really start reaching full potential. Chances are when he does that, he's with another team. So you try to put something together with Wiggins to win and maybe convince one of them to sign a max deal.

That's really the only argument I could come up with, as well-- that Towns is more likely to be heavily pursued by (and leave for) a big market team due to the versatility in his game whenever free agency rolls around.

 

[TUL]

Eh, I think you can't go wrong with either. That said, I might got KAT... I like what he brings defensively, and he is a really mobile big who fits the current NBA game a bit better than Okafor, who is a dominant down-low big. But I don't know if there is a big in the league who will be able to stop Okafor one-on-one.

 

[coolcat9lives]

IMO Minnesota drafts Okafor if they think they've found their star in Wiggins. I think Minnesota is putting more stock into having a great backcourt as opposed to a balanced team. If that's the case I think they go more so with pieces that fit around Wiggins instead of a stud like Towns would could supersede him. Okafor is a one dimensional player (He is very beastly in that dimension though) which could allow Wiggins more opportunities with the ball.

Karl would honestly require more touches from more spots on the floor. Wiggins would have to play off of Karl instead of Okafor playing off Wiggins. The Wolves are also developing Lavine and have Rubio and Kevin Martin on the roster. Okafor is an impossible match-up down low so they could also been thinking Okafor would create more open shots for the perimeter guys. It doesn't make a lot of sense but then again neither does Minnesota.

 

[KA4Prez]

Hard to say. They are basically saying Rubio isn't the answer. Wouldn't be shocked if he's dealt soon.

 

[1war]

Also, consider the franchise (as throatpoker alluded to)...they aren't very good and likely won't be very good consistently. Stars aren't going there, and elite guys will likely leave once their first deal expires. So they have to think in the now, like 2-3 years vs. 10 years.

Okafor is more ready now, hard to argue that. KAT is getting there and has higher up-side, but likely will take a couple years to really start reaching full potential. Chances are when he does that, he's with another team. So you try to put something together with Wiggins to win and maybe convince one of them to sign a max deal.

When has an elite guy left after their first deal expires, the player has to be there for at least 5 years if the team wants them that long. Max and near max contract guys almost always sign the extension and are there at least 7 years, it's the third deal when they leave. Greg Monroe is the only exception off the top of my head of a guy that played year 5 for the qualifing offer instead of signing a near max contract. This is not the days of 3 year garuntees and then unrestricted free agency.

 

[Dream Team 13]

IMO Minnesota drafts Okafor if they think they've found their star in Wiggins. I think Minnesota is putting more stock into having a great backcourt as opposed to a balanced team. If that's the case I think they go more so with pieces that fit around Wiggins instead of a stud like Towns would could supersede him. Okafor is a one dimensional player (He is very beastly in that dimension though) which could allow Wiggins more opportunities with the ball.

Karl would honestly require more touches from more spots on the floor. Wiggins would have to play off of Karl instead of Okafor playing off Wiggins. The Wolves are also developing Lavine and have Rubio and Kevin Martin on the roster. Okafor is an impossible match-up down low so they could also been thinking Okafor would create more open shots for the perimeter guys. It doesn't make a lot of sense but then again neither does Minnesota.

I think you could get another high first by talking to the Knicks. I don't think they need the 1st pick with Wiggy on the roster. They need more talent, not a superstar.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I would much rather have KAT. He improved his scoring around the basket, he can shoot the jumper, and he actually plays defense.

I lost faith in Okafor during the tourney when he failed to get back on defense over and over again.

It got some dunks after other teams scored when his team threw the bal to him wide open under the basket because he didn't even cross mid court.

I don't think it was a matter of effort as it was that he is not in the greatest shape.

 

[coolcat9lives]

I think you could get another high first by talking to the Knicks. I don't think they need the 1st pick with Wiggy on the roster. They need more talent, not a superstar.

Agreed. They are probably looking at some front court/wing depth. They could trade down get a veteran and a lower lottery pick. Two birds. One stone.

 

[JPScott]

They did draft both Ricky Rubio and Johnny Flynn with Steph Curry still on the board. And they picked up Ty Lawson and Nick Calathes later on for a total of 4 point guards in one draft. None of which was named Steph Curry.

This is also the franchise that could have picked DeMarcus Cousins, but instead chose Wesley Johnson.

 

[1war]

Agreed. They are probably looking at some front court/wing depth. They could trade down get a veteran and a lower lottery pick. Two birds. One stone.

I disagree with this line of thinking, You need two stars to really compete for championships and stars are extremely hard to come by, it's MUCH easier to find role players.

 

[coolcat9lives]

I disagree with this line of thinking, You need two stars to really compete for championships and stars are extremely hard to come by, it's MUCH easier to find role players.

I believe if Minnesota is looking at Okafor it means they have already pinpointed who they want their stars to be (IMO Wiggins and Lavine as second fiddle). Okafor is a beast in the post but so is Al Jefferson. Al Jefferson is a great NBA player but no star. I see Okafor being very similar to that. Minnesota will put all their eggs into the Wiggins basket because they want him to stay in Minny when its time for contract negotiations. If he and Lavine put it together they will have all the star power they need. That's what I think Minnesota is banking on.

 

[Neue Regel]

I would much rather have KAT. He improved his scoring around the basket, he can shoot the jumper, and he actually plays defense.

I lost faith in Okafor during the tourney when he failed to get back on defense over and over again.

It got some dunks after other teams scored when his team threw the bal to him wide open under the basket because he didn't even cross mid court.

I don't think it was a matter of effort as it was that he is not in the greatest shape.

Huh? which tourney games was he not getting back on D on? you sure you aren't thinking about the earlier part of the season? and with their conditioning program I doubt he was in poor shape that late in the season. Now he wasn't 100% for about 3 weeks after that ankle turn in that first UNC game in mid-Feb. He missed the next game and K tried to play him as little as possible in a few games that followed.

A skilled big man like KAT or Okafor is a tremendous asset. No big in the draft though has the sheer physical power that Okafor has. He can back you down with two or three dribbles and stuff the ball down your throat and whomever is guarding him one on one is helpless to stop it. Hence all the double teams he routinely saw. True he did not have a great NCAA Tournament offensively, but then again he was every opposing team's first concern to try and stop which was wonderful if you were Tyus Jones, Quinn Cook or Justise Winslow as it allowed them to flourish while everyone worried about Okafor. Case in point, Izzo's comment "you can blame me for Okafor" stating that their entire game plan was to hold him under 20. He could score 2 points and still have a major impact out there just because the opposition is so concerned with him.

I don't think a team can go wrong with either player.

 

[CatsFanGG24]

51% vs 81%...for this stat alone you go with Towns...especially with the current NBA rules.

 

[Neue Regel]

51% vs 81%...for this stat alone you go with Towns...especially with the current NBA rules.

I assume that's the FT stats? UGH, yea no argument there. It was painful watching Okafor go to the free throw line.

 

[CatsFanGG24]

I assume that's the FT stats? UGH, yea no argument there. It was painful watching Okafor go to the free throw line.

Yes. And the NBA is abusing bad FT shooters with the current rules.

 

[1war]

I believe if Minnesota is looking at Okafor it means they have already pinpointed who they want their stars to be (IMO Wiggins and Lavine as second fiddle). Okafor is a beast in the post but so is Al Jefferson. Al Jefferson is a great NBA player but no star. I see Okafor being very similar to that. Minnesota will put all their eggs into the Wiggins basket because they want him to stay in Minny when its time for contract negotiations. If he and Lavine put it together they will have all the star power they need. That's what I think Minnesota is banking on.

Lavine can jump high but in no way would they count on him to be their other star, it would be either Okafor or KAT ,which ever they draft. If a team feels that there is a star in the draft you have to draft him, it would be foolish to pass for role players. It's reported that Flip is enamored with Okafor and it's not because he thinks he's a role player.

 

[cardsfan53]

Russell, LeVine, and Wiggins would be a great perimeter combo. The nba is going to more of a fast break open type of game. Towns is the best player in the draft in my opinion, and I think the Wolves take him #1

 

[UKDUNK]

There's a reason they are the Timberwolves. Some organizations are just not built to win. Bad decisions, poor roster management, tight wallets, etc. I really hope they pick Okafur. Towns could learn from all the legends that surround the Laker program and would most certainly be the main building block for their future. They don't mind spending and will continue to add the pieces necessary to win. I don't see Minny offering max contracts to Wiggins and whoever they pick this year in the future, so one will end up walking away in a few years.

 

[coolcat9lives]

Lavine can jump high but in no way would they count on him to be there other star, it would be either Okafor or KAT ,which ever they draft. If a team feels that there is a star in the draft you have to draft him, it would be foolish to pass for role players. It's reported that Flip is enamored with Okafor and it's not because he thinks he's a role player.

Why couldn't they look at him as the second star? Lavine just turned 20 this offseason, he has plenty of room to improve. This is a hypothetical discussion trying to explain how Flip could look to Okafor over Towns who has more talent and a higher ceiling. If they draft Okafor I think it's clear that they have confidence in other players on the team to step up and fill the role of a star. If the draft Towns, which is who they should draft, then its more apparent that they are looking for a another star to pair with Wiggins. Minnesota has drafted over stars for the last 5 years they will probably do the same here.

 

[UKcats1988]

Because Flip is pretty old school. They were last in 3 point attempts per game this season at 15 a game. He still likes the long 2's, settting up the offense and posting up. They were 2nd this year in post up frequency behind Memphis, Okafor fits what Flip likes. They should select Towns or Russell imo.

 

[brdmn22]

I disagree with this line of thinking, You need two stars to really compete for championships and stars are extremely hard to come by, it's MUCH easier to find role players.

I agree. The Timberwolves are a stud big away from having a nice, young team. LaVine, Wiggins, and Okafor/Towns would make for a very good nucleus. They even have some flexibility as to trading some pieces because they have some nice players in Rubio, Dieng, Muhammad, Payne, and Bennett (although Bennett is looking more and more like a huge bust).

 

[brdmn22]

Why couldn't they look at him as the second star? Lavine just turned 20 this offseason, he has plenty of room to improve. This is a hypothetical discussion trying to explain how Flip could look to Okafor over Towns who has more talent and a higher ceiling. If they draft Okafor I think it's clear that they have confidence in other players on the team to step up and fill the role of a star. If the draft Towns, which is who they should draft, then its more apparent that they are looking for a another star to pair with Wiggins. Minnesota has drafted over stars for the last 5 years they will probably do the same here.

Why would a team draft a guy overall #1 if they don't think he's going to be a star?

 

[1war]

Why couldn't they look at him as the second star? Lavine just turned 20 this offseason, he has plenty of room to improve. This is a hypothetical discussion trying to explain how Flip could look to Okafor over Towns who has more talent and a higher ceiling. If they draft Okafor I think it's clear that they have confidence in other players on the team to step up and fill the role of a star. If the draft Towns, which is who they should draft, then its more apparent that they are looking for a another star to pair with Wiggins. Minnesota has drafted over stars for the last 5 years they will probably do the same here.

If they draft Okafor I think it's clear that THEY believe that he's going to be a star or has star potential.

 

[coolcat9lives]

Why would a team draft a guy overall #1 if they don't think he's going to be a star?

If they draft Okafor I think it's clear that THEY believe that he's going to be a star or has star potential.

People draft for fit all the time. Just because they have the number one pick doesn't mean they always have to select the player with the most star power or even the best available player. Often times teams don't even possess the foresight to make an informed decision on these types of things. Bargnani was taken over Aldridge. Bogut was taken over Chris Paul and Deron Williams. The list goes on. Okafor does have star power but I think if the Timberwolves select him they are banking on a few other folks from the team to step up. Simple.

 

[1war]

People draft for fit all the time. Just because they have the number one pick doesn't mean they always have to select the player with the most star power or even the best available player. Often times teams don't even possess the foresight to make an informed decision on these types of things. Bargnani was taken over Aldridge. Bogut was taken over Chris Paul and Deron Williams. The list goes on. Okafor does have star power but I think if the Timberwolves select him they are banking on a few other folks from the team to step up. Simple.

Missing on picks and drafting for fit are two different things, the number one pick is who the team thinks is BPA. They may look for fit later in the draft but not at number one.Simply put, a team is not going to pass on a player they think is going to be a star for someone they think is going to be a role player. That's a silly notion.

 

[coolcat9lives]

Missing on picks and drafting for fit are two different things, the number one pick is who the team thinks is BPA. They may look for fit later in the draft but not at number one.Simply put, a team is not going to pass on a player they think is going to be a star for someone they think is going to be a role player. That's a silly notion.

When did I say they were drafting a role player? You are assuming things. I compared Okafor to Al Jefferson. Do you think Al Jefferson is considered a role player? Just because a team doesn't draft the best available player doesn't mean they consider the prospect they are drafting to be a role player. Its not that black and white. You are also assuming that all teams think like you do when drafting players. There are a lot of people in this world and not everyone aligns with the same thought process. The Timberwolves could very well think Okafor can be a great player but value Wiggins and Lavine's development over adding another "star player". The Wolves could think Karl Towns and his style of play may not be conducive to the development of those players so they would choose Okafor whom is a better fit in their opinion. Again this is all hypothetical (I think they draft Towns.)

 

[KA4Prez]

Put it this way. I think it will come down to the last minute. Logical arguments can be made for Okafor, Russell or Towns as #1. You could argue the Wolves are thinking all 3 of them.

With that said...I'm torn. I'd love UK to have the #1 pick, again. I'd also much rather see KAT go to the Lakers, Sixers or Knicks.

Ideally, someone who really wants him, trades up to #1 to take him. While Minnesota has a good core, it's just very unrealistic to see a future situation existing there where everyone isn't looking to bolt when their rookie deals are up.

 

[brdmn22]

When did I say they were drafting a role player? You are assuming things. I compared Okafor to Al Jefferson. Do you think Al Jefferson is considered a role player? Just because a team doesn't draft the best available player doesn't mean they consider the prospect they are drafting to be a role player. Its not that black and white. You are also assuming that all teams think like you do when drafting players. There are a lot of people in this world and not everyone aligns with the same thought process. The Timberwolves could very well think Okafor can be a great player but value Wiggins and Lavine's development over adding another "star player". The Wolves could think Karl Towns and his style of play may not be conducive to the development of those players so they would choose Okafor whom is a better fit in their opinion. Again this is all hypothetical (I think they draft Towns.)

What? In what scenario is a great player not a "star player"? I would assume being a great player is the prerequisite for being a "star."

 

[coolcat9lives]

What? In what scenario is a great player not a "star player"? I would assume being a great player is the prerequisite for being a "star."

Please see the Al Jefferson comparison as all the explanation you need regarding this analogy. You can look up stats if you'd like to drive home the point. You are getting caught up in your own definitions of "great" and "star". This is allowing you to miss the point of my argument each time. Substitute "good" for "great" if it'll help. All I'm saying is they may choose Okafor over Towns because they like how he fits on their team better. That's it.

 

[Hoskins91]

Why do people want him to go to LA? They are being run terribly as well. Just because Randle is there? I hope he gets outta there as soon as possible.

 

[brdmn22]

Please see the Al Jefferson comparison as all the explanation you need regarding this analogy. You can look up stats if you'd like to drive home the point. You are getting caught up in your own definitions of "great" and "star". This is allowing you to miss the point of my argument each time. Substitute "good" for "great" if it'll help. All I'm saying is they may choose Okafor over Towns because they like how he fits on their team better. That's it.

There is a big difference between good and great. Al Jefferson is not a great player. He's a very good player, but definitely not great.

Your argument makes sense if a team considers two players available to be similar in abilities. For example, if Minnesota projects Okafor and Towns to both be perennial all-stars, then yeah, they pick the best fit. If they project Towns to be a top 5 player in the NBA and Okafor to be an Al Jefferson type big, then in no circumstance would a team pick Okafor. I don't care if they think he's a better fit, style wise.

I'm saying that if Minnesota is considering taking Okafor over Towns, then they believe both to be future stars. You're saing they would consider Okafor because he's a better fit, even though they believe Towns is the better player, which I don't think is the case.

 

[KA4Prez]

Why do people want him to go to LA? They are being run terribly as well. Just because Randle is there? I hope he gets outta there as soon as possible.

The Lakers have a history of overcoming adversity and landing on their feet. Minnesota has no history of winning at all. I'd be fine with Towns going to Los Angeles or New York. It would be cool to see a UK guy with a shot to re-kindle a huge market franchise with great history. Much better than going anywhere like Minnesota, Denver, Utah, Orlando or Detroit. At least in Phoenix, Sacramento, Philadelphia or Charlotte, it gives us a few UK guys to root for.