Anthony’s favorite cousin and NBA2K expert, Joel Varriano, joins the show to tell us what he’d do in the 2023 NBA Draft if he were in charge of the Timberwolves, who they could get if they actually use the 53rd pick, and what we can expect Western Conference teams to do.
What Joel Would Do if He Ran the Wolves
Trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Houston and select Amen Thompson.
Trade Rudy Gobert to San Antonio for the 26th pick and select Colby Jones.
Who Can the Wolves Get with the 53rd Overall Pick
Should they focus on foreign players they can stash, like Tristan Vukčević, 20, 6-11 C, from Partizan, or Nadar Hifi, 20, 6-2 PG of Le Portel?
Vukčević has a 7-foot, 2.5-inch wingspan and is a terrific shooter, but doesn’t move well laterally
Hifi might be too small to defend and shoot well from three, but he’s a transition monster and a great finisher at the rim even in the halfcourt
Drew Timme, Gonzaga?
What Western Conference Playoff Contenders Will Do
Does Victor Wembenyama put the Spurs in the playoffs?
Who in the West improves enough through the draft to compete for a playoff spot and how?
What team(s) can we expect to fall out of playoff contention?
Are the Wolves one of them?
What about the Suns and Bradley Beal?
What the Timberwolves Should Do, Will Do, and What to Expect from the West in the 2023 NBA Draft