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

[LordBaldric]

I can't believe we are going to draft Okafor.
Not another stupid decision by our front office.
Back to mediocrity if we pick Okafor.

Soft big man incoming...

[Wolf_Cry]

Good god if we take Okafor like the reports say, I am going to bash someone's head into a wall. Probably mines.

[FargoWolf]

Im good with any of the projected top 3 guys.

I'm good with Towns or Russell, Okafor not so much.

[Worm Guts]

I'd be more upset with Russell just because it wouldn't make sense. I'm pretty sure Okafor is going to be a really good player but I understand being afraid his flaws, so I get putting Russell ahead of him. But how do you justify Russell over Towns when you need a big?

[Killboard]

Still don't understand why people will be that upset if Okafor is the pick. It's not like Towns is that much better or that Okafor is some sort of a bum.

Flip is a smart man who made good moves for us (the Young and Payne trades not withstanding). He was patient with the Love trade and really maximized the value for Love by getting Wiggins. He drafted Muhammed, Dieng, and LaVine. He has done well adding good young pieces to this team. I have faith Flip is going to take his time, get all the information needed, and make a sound decision. If he feels that he can get Okafor to play sound defense then I don't see how it's a horrible choice.

1) roster Fit.
Your best player is a PG who is a above average offensive player but he cant spread the floor.
Your 2 best young players excels playing iso post offense.
Your second best player is a C who is a beast down low when healthy.

2) Consensus
Even when they can be wrong, the consensus pick should be the default option. Even more with the 1st.
No need to be the smartest guy in the room, think you are the choosen one and overplay. If you have others plans better you show it right away or people will get mad.

3) league fit and flexibility
3&D centers are more valuable in nba game today than post scorers, specially if the post scorer has Ft and D flags, cause there are few of the first ones. Have one of them gives you the option to go a 5 under the post or a smaller stretch floor.

4) recent years
We had two of the best big offensive players of thr last 10 years. They didnt play D.
Our defense was horrendous.

5) coherence
If.you say you want fill with athletic guys who be two way players, then you take that guy.

[NewWolvesOrder]

I can't believe we are going to draft Okafor.
Not another stupid decision by our front office.
Back to mediocrity if we pick Okafor.

If Flop drafts Okafor and trades Rubio for mid pick to draft Jones I think I may be out. Not even Wiggins could make me follow this sorry ass franchise.

[TRKO]

Still don't understand why people will be that upset if Okafor is the pick. It's not like Towns is that much better or that Okafor is some sort of a bum.

Flip is a smart man who made good moves for us (the Young and Payne trades not withstanding). He was patient with the Love trade and really maximized the value for Love by getting Wiggins. He drafted Muhammed, Dieng, and LaVine. He has done well adding good young pieces to this team. I have faith Flip is going to take his time, get all the information needed, and make a sound decision. If he feels that he can get Okafor to play sound defense then I don't see how it's a horrible choice.

1) roster Fit.
Your best player is a PG who is a above average offensive player but he cant spread the floor.
Your 2 best young players excels playing iso post offense.
Your second best player is a C who is a beast down low when healthy.

2) Consensus
Even when they can be wrong, the consensus pick should be the default option. Even more with the 1st.
No need to be the smartest guy in the room, think you are the choosen one and overplay. If you have others plans better you show it right away or people will get mad.

3) league fit and flexibility
3&D centers are more valuable in nba game today than post scorers, specially if the post scorer has Ft and D flags, cause there are few of the first ones. Have one of them gives you the option to go a 5 under the post or a smaller stretch floor.

4) recent years
We had two of the best big offensive players of thr last 10 years. They didnt play D.
Our defense was horrendous.

5) coherence
If.you say you want fill with athletic guys who be two way players, then you take that guy.

I understand the reasoning behind picking Towns. I understand the case for him to be the pick. I don't understand how Okafor would be a horrible pick. Same with Russell. Maybe I'm not as sold on Towns as others are. I really like him, I just don't see him leaps and bounds being the best player. To be honest I see Russell as the best player and the best fit for the "modern era" of basketball. I also see the value of being unique. Flip may feel with every team going small ball, getting a guy that can dominate the post, draw double teams, and facilitate out of the C position can be a huge advantage. The top 10 scoring teams all made the playoffs. The team with the best FG% was Golden State, the best team in the league. While Towns has good offensive skills, he wasn't a consistent scorer. Okafor was a great scorer and super efficient doing so.

As far as defense, if Charlotte can be a top defensive team with Big Al, a team with Okafor can surely play good defense. With a 7'6 wingspan, very good strength, very good feet, there is no reason he can't develop into a solid defender. He won't be a prolific shot blocker, but he can transition into a solid defender. Remember he is only 19. He isn't a finished product.

I'm not saying Towns shouldn't be the choice at 1. I'm just saying Okafor wouldn't be an unreasonable choice that people should bash their heads in, or look to burn down Flip's house. Okafor has a high ceiling too.

[urinesane]

Still don't understand why people will be that upset if Okafor is the pick. It's not like Towns is that much better or that Okafor is some sort of a bum.

Flip is a smart man who made good moves for us (the Young and Payne trades not withstanding). He was patient with the Love trade and really maximized the value for Love by getting Wiggins. He drafted Muhammed, Dieng, and LaVine. He has done well adding good young pieces to this team. I have faith Flip is going to take his time, get all the information needed, and make a sound decision. If he feels that he can get Okafor to play sound defense then I don't see how it's a horrible choice.

1) roster Fit.
Your best player is a PG who is a above average offensive player but he cant spread the floor.
Your 2 best young players excels playing iso post offense.
Your second best player is a C who is a beast down low when healthy.

2) Consensus
Even when they can be wrong, the consensus pick should be the default option. Even more with the 1st.
No need to be the smartest guy in the room, think you are the choosen one and overplay. If you have others plans better you show it right away or people will get mad.

3) league fit and flexibility
3&D centers are more valuable in nba game today than post scorers, specially if the post scorer has Ft and D flags, cause there are few of the first ones. Have one of them gives you the option to go a 5 under the post or a smaller stretch floor.

4) recent years
We had two of the best big offensive players of thr last 10 years. They didnt play D.
Our defense was horrendous.

5) coherence
If.you say you want fill with athletic guys who be two way players, then you take that guy.

I understand the reasoning behind picking Towns. I understand the case for him to be the pick. I don't understand how Okafor would be a horrible pick. Same with Russell. Maybe I'm not as sold on Towns as others are. I really like him, I just don't see him leaps and bounds being the best player. To be honest I see Russell as the best player and the best fit for the "modern era" of basketball. I also see the value of being unique. Flip may feel with every team going small ball, getting a guy that can dominate the post, draw double teams, and facilitate out of the C position can be a huge advantage. The top 10 scoring teams all made the playoffs. The team with the best FG% was Golden State, the best team in the league. While Towns has good offensive skills, he wasn't a consistent scorer. Okafor was a great scorer and super efficient doing so.

As far as defense, if Charlotte can be a top defensive team with Big Al, a team with Okafor can surely play good defense. With a 7'6 wingspan, very good strength, very good feet, there is no reason he can't develop into a solid defender. He won't be a prolific shot blocker, but he can transition into a solid defender. Remember he is only 19. He isn't a finished product.

I'm not saying Towns shouldn't be the choice at 1. I'm just saying Okafor wouldn't be an unreasonable choice that people should bash their heads in, or look to burn down Flip's house. Okafor has a high ceiling too.

Horrible is hyperbole, but if Okafor ends up not improving his defense to an average level and his post game doesn't translate as well to the NBA. Especially if Towns thrives in LA and becomes a star, we would probably look back on it as a horrible pick.

I think Towns is not only the safest pick due to his defense, fit, and versatility on both sides of the ball, but I also think he has the highest ceiling of the two due to his versatility and his ability to improve his weaknesses (as shown this season).

Okafor is an awesome post scorer. He hasn't shown much else beyond that, which doesn't mean that he can't improve and grow his game, but it would be based on hope more than evidence from the past season.

[Crazy-Canuck]

Still don't understand why people will be that upset if Okafor is the pick. It's not like Towns is that much better or that Okafor is some sort of a bum.

Flip is a smart man who made good moves for us (the Young and Payne trades not withstanding). He was patient with the Love trade and really maximized the value for Love by getting Wiggins. He drafted Muhammed, Dieng, and LaVine. He has done well adding good young pieces to this team. I have faith Flip is going to take his time, get all the information needed, and make a sound decision. If he feels that he can get Okafor to play sound defense then I don't see how it's a horrible choice.

1) roster Fit.
Your best player is a PG who is a above average offensive player but he cant spread the floor.
Your 2 best young players excels playing iso post offense.
Your second best player is a C who is a beast down low when healthy.

2) Consensus
Even when they can be wrong, the consensus pick should be the default option. Even more with the 1st.
No need to be the smartest guy in the room, think you are the choosen one and overplay. If you have others plans better you show it right away or people will get mad.

3) league fit and flexibility
3&D centers are more valuable in nba game today than post scorers, specially if the post scorer has Ft and D flags, cause there are few of the first ones. Have one of them gives you the option to go a 5 under the post or a smaller stretch floor.

4) recent years
We had two of the best big offensive players of thr last 10 years. They didnt play D.
Our defense was horrendous.

5) coherence
If.you say you want fill with athletic guys who be two way players, then you take that guy.

1. Fit shouldnt be in the equation. Wiggs is the only core guy on the team, so you need to try and find 1 or 2 more core guys.

2. Consensus isnt always right.

3. There is more than one way to build a good defense.

4. They also had physical limitations. Okafor is a monster of a man with great physical measurements. OKafor played with a bum ankle for most of the year. He was also the only big on the roster, so it isnt out of the realm of possibility that he was asked to not get hurt and not get into foul trouble.

5. KAT isnt the greatest athlete either.

I prefer Okafor, but am perfectly fine with KAT. But some of you are making OKafor out to be some scrub. Id even say he's got a better chance to be a superstar than KAT.

[TRKO]

Horrible maybe hyperbole on my part, but some of the reaction on this board if Towns isn't the pick and if Okafor is then guys will be turning in their fan cards.

Also if Towns game doesn't translate and we pick him and if Okafor is the next great Laker big man then it will be a horrible pick. It goes both ways. Dieng was supposed to be a very good defensive big man, but it hasn't translated. Nobody is a sure thing.

Look I don't want to say anything negative about Towns. I'm not trying to make a case against him. I'm trying to make a case for Okafor. His offensive game and potential is very appealing provided we can turn him into a solid defender like the Kings did to Cousins. Also Marc Gasol wasn't a defensive wizard when he was drafted and he improved. There is no reason Okafor can't improve and if Flip looks over the film and see fixable areas of his game he can improve then I see no reason not to draft him number 1. Especially the way Flip views him offensively.

[TRKO]

Here is a game that showcases Okafor's potential for a midrange game, his ball handling skills, and his ability to pass out of the double team. Yes the majority of his scoring comes in the post, but you see flashes of him being able to develop into even more complete player. Like Towns and Russell the kid is only 19. All three are just scratching the surface and far from being a finished product.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3xkQlzzQc50

[FargoWolf]

Towns' interview + workout footage:

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Karl-Anthony-Towns-Workout-Video-and-Interview-5043

After watching that I only want Towns more. I have to think Flip will figure it out, I will be legitimately upset if Okafor is the pick.

[jpatrick]

Okafor will score. I'm not sure he'll ever be able to shoot even with Duncan's range, but his post footwork is insanely good.

I will say, if Okafor is the guy, I think Flip needs to offer anybody on the roster outside of Wiggins for Porzingis. Porzingis comes with risk but rim protecting, floor spacing PFs are so rare, and Okafor needs one next to him, I think you have to take the chance.

[Worm Guts]

I don't think people realize just how good 66% from the floor is from someone who creates offense. There's not many that compare. I'm not sure to what level that translates to the NBA, but if he shoots 60%, he really doesn't need to shoot jump shots.

[TRKO]

I don't think people realize just how good 66% from the floor is from someone who creates offense. There's not many that compare. I'm not sure to what level that translates to the NBA, but if he shoots 60%, he really doesn't need to shoot jump shots.

It's not the DeAndre Jordan offense either. Okafor is creating his own shot.

[Calinks]

Erase all frowns by drafting Towns. Shut the door on Okafor.

[jpatrick]

What if Okafor's offense doesn't translate at an elite level? It doesn't always. Bogut shot 64% from 2 point range, scoring 21 per game, before being the #1 pick. The other thing to remember, given Okafor's struggles to hit from more than 10 feet, is that the illegal defense no longer exists, which did during the age of the post scorer, and the paint gets crowded quickly.

If he's shooting 52%, his defensive deficiencies and free throw problems will look a lot more glaring.

I think Okafor will score, but given his lack of elite athleticism or any kind of consistent range, I don't think it's a given he'll be a 25 ppg scorer shooting 60%.

[AttackTheRack]

Erase all frowns by drafting Towns. Shut the door on Okafor.

Could put those on signs. Follow Flip around chanting at him. He's, like, "**** it. I'll pick Towns if you guys just SHUT UP!" Win.

[Worm Guts]

What if Okafor's offense doesn't translate at an elite level? It doesn't always. Bogut shot 64% from 2 point range, scoring 21 per game, before being the #1 pick. The other thing to remember, given Okafor's struggles to hit from more than 10 feet, is that the illegal defense no longer exists, which did during the age of the post scorer, and the paint gets crowded quickly.

If he's shooting 52%, his defensive deficiencies and free throw problems will look a lot more glaring.

I think Okafor will score, but given his lack of elite athleticism or any kind of consistent range, I don't think it's a given he'll be a 25 ppg scorer shooting 60%.

If it was a given that he'd score 25 ppg on 60% I'd take him first no matter what else he did.
I think he'll score 20-25 on above average efficiency for multiple seasons. Good enough to justify a top pick. Doesn't necessarily make him better than Towns but he'll be good.

[TRKO]

What if Okafor's offense doesn't translate at an elite level? It doesn't always. Bogut shot 64% from 2 point range, scoring 21 per game, before being the #1 pick. The other thing to remember, given Okafor's struggles to hit from more than 10 feet, is that the illegal defense no longer exists, which did during the age of the post scorer, and the paint gets crowded quickly.

If he's shooting 52%, his defensive deficiencies and free throw problems will look a lot more glaring.

I think Okafor will score, but given his lack of elite athleticism or any kind of consistent range, I don't think it's a given he'll be a 25 ppg scorer shooting 60%.

I mean you can play the what if it doesn't translate game with Towns and Russell too. I've seen a few mid range jumpers out of Okafor and I feel he can develop a consistent midrange game. As far as the double teams coming because the defense has changes, well Okafor is very good at passing out of it. He is a great passing big man. He has great feet that make up for him not being an all world athlete. Howard is an all world athlete, but he couldn't develop the skill in the post that a 19 year old Okafor has. Skill trumps athleticism. I think it's unfair to project anybody scoring. 25 points on 60% shooting. That's hall of fame level right there. Okafor did shoot 66% in college, creating his own shot, while being the guy opposing defenses targeted. The guy has offensive game.