Watch CBS News

Timberwolves GM: Draft Has Chance 'To Be Historic'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Timberwolves have a chance to advance their cause Thursday night.

That's what the NBA Draft, really any draft, represents: Hope. They hold the No. 7 overall pick, unless they get a better offer.

What we know is they are open to making a move, and they will not tell you much. The duo that runs the Timberwolves believes this about this year's draft:

"This I think has a chance to be a historic draft," Timberwolves General Manager Scott Layden said. "You look at the top end of the draft and I think there's a chance that there's going to be a lot of very good players.

Last year, it was Kris Dunn they took first. Not exactly a break through as a rookie, but they offer a reminder.

"I can say that Kris has been in every day since the season ended. He's done a terrific job this offseason," Tom Thibodeau, Timberwolves coach and president of basketball operations, said. "It's a lot different, the approach has been a lot different, than last year. He has better knowledge of the league."

But when you have talent like Karl-Anthony Towns blossoming, you have to build sooner than later, meaning trade talks.

"There's a lot of trade activity. There's a lot of conversation so whether it's at the trade deadline, whether it's at the draft," Layden said.

And for the Timberwolves, they see needs, many needs.

"You need a shot-blocking center someone that complements Karl and protects the rim. But we need shooting, we need toughness, we need wings," Thibodeau said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.