Poll: Who should the Wolves take with the #1 overall pick?

[Takingbaconback]

:

Tim Duncan offensively. And Tim Duncan without the defense is still a star.

Tim Duncan without the defense isn't Tim Duncan. Tim Duncan is also a guy whose athleticism was a big part of his success on offense. The reason Okafor is a bad defender is because he doesn't have the athleticism/speed of a Tim Duncan, he's a below the rim player. I think a comparison is flawed from the beginning when the comparison is one of the top 5 players of all time. If I had to liken either of Towns or Okafor to Duncan, it's be Towns. Okafor's post game is nowhere near Duncan's either. Duncan had a jump shot for one thing, and was better everywhere basically.

To be fair, you originally asked "What player in the recent past is a model for him to succeed as a star in this league?" Tim Duncan could certainly be a model for success.

Obviously nowhere as good as Shaq but Okafor could take a lot of things from his game especially the interior passing.

[Ace_Rockola]

Sure, it's my opinion. It also seems to be the majority opinion, among scouts and otherwise. Even if I knew nothing about basketball, and was just a businessman, I'd look at the situation and take Towns. There's a reason we're hearing Woj leaks about how Towns might try to force his way to the Lakers. Because everyone knows he's going #1, no matter what they say publicly about "exploring all options", I mean, unless he's got a hidden injury problem that's serious.

IM STILL NOT BANNED! LUCIFER WHY U CUM TO OUR BOARD AND TROLL US? WE EXCITED ABOUT FIRST PICK! NO ONE THEYRE GOING TO BE FORCING TRADE TO LAKERSZZZ! WHY DO NOT WE TRADE #1 PICK OF ROUND 2 TO KNICKS FOR CARAMEL ANYTONY?! HE DONT WANT TO PLAY FOR CRAPPY TEAM IN WEAK EAST CONFERENCE! DO IT FLIP!

[Mattya]

I don't think its the landslide for Towns that some think it is. Better defensive player for sure, but his defensive impact has become overrated all while Okafor's offense has become underrated.

[Devilzsidewalk]

I hope Flip thinks back to what he said in January....

We need to get a balanced roster," Saunders said then.
In the year-and-a-half since then, Saunders has traded Kevin Love, made multiple free-agent signings and named himself head coach.

Yet the Western Conference cellar dweller is mere inches closer to being a viable defensive club.

"We have to get more two-way players," Saunders said Saturday after his team, the league's worst defensively, lost 108-93 to the Spurs. "We still have a lot of one-way players. So the more we can develop those two-way players, the better we're going to become at both ends of the floor."

http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/mi ... ers-011015

promising quote

[Worm Guts]

Sure, it's my opinion. It also seems to be the majority opinion, among scouts and otherwise. Even if I knew nothing about basketball, and was just a businessman, I'd look at the situation and take Towns. There's a reason we're hearing Woj leaks about how Towns might try to force his way to the Lakers. Because everyone knows he's going #1, no matter what they say publicly about "exploring all options", I mean, unless he's got a hidden injury problem that's serious.

I've watched enough Okafor and Towns to have my own opinion. If you want to consider consensus you need to remember that Okafor was considered the #1 pick for 90% of the season.

[jpatrick]

A great passing Al Jefferson with an additional two inches of reach is an incredible prospect, which is what Okafor is. He also has reportedly dropped 15 pounds. It's not totally out of the question he becomes a Gasol like defender, although I don't think you can count on that.

I still prefer Towns. I think he's perfect for this team. Wiggins is our alpha male scorer, Towns is the perfect two way compliment.

[Luciferswings]

Sure. Time passed, and people re-evaluated, as the flaws/strengths of each player came under more scrutiny. I just think the only choice is Towns. The more we hear in the media about the Lakers wanting to move up, the more you should realise this.

[Streakers33]

I'm torn.
From what I have read. Mudiay was project top pick till he ran out of country. THen he got hurt and we forgot about him. Imo he most talented. But then u don't skip centers who are projected top in class. Since pg is easier to fill. As I have stated before. I was hoping we got pick two or three. So we didn't have to have this convo. And then take bpa... Now we are gonna be critical on everything. Maybe someone makes a Hershel walker deal and we move down two spots. Lol.


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[Devilzsidewalk]

I think is really important get a good vibe in the draft workouts from the guy you are picking.

I'll be happy with either. I'm leaning Towns right now but we need to see what workouts look like.

I don't know, is that really a good thing? It's disconcerting to me to think of all the Wolves scouts and FO guys preferring 1 guy based on game tape, then switching their stance based on individual workouts.

[FargoWolf]

I don't think its the landslide for Towns that some think it is. Better defensive player for sure, but his defensive impact has become overrated all while Okafor's offense has become underrated.

I agree, I think Towns is a bit overrated defensively but offensively he might be underrated. People see Okafor's polished low post game but do they see a guy in Towns that shot above 80% at the charity stripe, developed a solid low post game, was a solid passer and he also hit some clutch shots at UK.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnR-kLulNZg[/youtube]

That is a big time shot, a seven footer hitting that shot and he can play defense and score in the post. Hard to pass on that.

[Mattya]

A great passing Al Jefferson with an additional two inches of reach is an incredible prospect, which is what Okafor is. He also has reportedly dropped 15 pounds. It's not totally out of the question he becomes a Gasol like defender, although I don't think you can count on that.

I still prefer Towns. I think he's perfect for this team. Wiggins is our alpha male scorer, Towns is the perfect two way compliment.

You forgot and the part where Okafor doesn't settle for mid range shots, and actually has a face up and drive game that Al couldn't even imagine.

[Murphs56]

The way it looks by this poll, people are going to be quite upset when Flip ends up taking Okafor lol

[rugbyrugger23]

If I were Flip, I would take the landing of #1 overall (finally) as a sign, an omen if you will. Time to firmly place the Wolves on the NBA franchise powerhouse map for a decade.

Step 1: Assume Wiggins and #1 overall are your 2 pillars and future superstars.

Step 2: Trade your current roster of quarters, dimes, and nickels for that dollar, who with Wiggins and #1 are the big three pillars for 10 years to come. Everyone outside Wiggins and #1 is on trade block, yes even Rubio (maybe he is a 50 cent piece, but I would move him with quarters and nickels for another gleaming silver dollar).

Step 3: Whoever that player is received via trade in step 2, help dictate who is picked at #1. Say it's a defensive PF, then obvious OAK becomes a better option. Say it's a guard, maybe doesn't change his selection at all. Say it's a center, that would change who is selected as well.

[Mattya]

I don't think its the landslide for Towns that some think it is. Better defensive player for sure, but his defensive impact has become overrated all while Okafor's offense has become underrated.

I agree, I think Towns is a bit overrated defensively but offensively he might be underrated. People see Okafor's polished low post game but do they see a guy in Towns that shot above 80% at the charity stripe, developed a solid low post game, was a solid passer and he also hit some clutch shots at UK.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnR-kLulNZg[/youtube]

That is a big time shot, a seven footer hitting that shot and he can play defense and score in the post. Hard to pass on that.

I see the outside shooting and that his a huge bonus, because right now Towns is very mechanical in the post on offense to me. He has potential there, but it isn't something I'm crazy about for him.

[C.lupus]

I think is really important get a good vibe in the draft workouts from the guy you are picking.

I'll be happy with either. I'm leaning Towns right now but we need to see what workouts look like.

I don't know, is that really a good thing? It's disconcerting to me to think of all the Wolves scouts and FO guys preferring 1 guy based on game tape, then switching their stance based on individual workouts.

I was thinking it's probably a close choice and in-person workouts and interviews will tip the scale.

[Chuck Everett]

Towns. That way you still keep Dieng and Pekovic and make those your big man rotation. The talent and versatility of Towns are huge selling points.

[rugbyrugger23]

I don't think its the landslide for Towns that some think it is. Better defensive player for sure, but his defensive impact has become overrated all while Okafor's offense has become underrated.

I agree, I think Towns is a bit overrated defensively but offensively he might be underrated. People see Okafor's polished low post game but do they see a guy in Towns that shot above 80% at the charity stripe, developed a solid low post game, was a solid passer and he also hit some clutch shots at UK.

That is a big time shot, a seven footer hitting that shot and he can play defense and score in the post. Hard to pass on that.

I agree, KAT rim protection in NBA for a rookie is being overrated. But like others have said, if KG could be expected to raise OAKs level of D, he will do same for KAT. Meaning if OAK starts at average and KG trains him to above average...KAT will start at above average and KG will train to good or great NBA rim protecting.

[zauchary]

Its not even a debate. Towns is who I've liked all along. He's the perfect center in today's NBA. Also, the Wolves would be able to occasionally play him with Pek or Dieng. I still can't believe we actually got the pick.

[alabamawolf]

I'll ask again. Who is the prototype for J.Okafor to be a star?

I think worst case scenario he's Al Jefferson

[Mattya]

I'll ask again. Who is the prototype for J.Okafor to be a star?

I think worst case scenario he's Al Jefferson

Thats lower than my floor for him.