FanPost

Situational Pick-up Players

The draft is still weeks away, giving NBA media plenty of time to speculate about which moves each franchise will make. Who do teams sign, who do they re-sign, who do they let go, who do they draft? One team that is earning extra attention right now are the Minnesota Timberwolves. With buddies D'Angelo Russell and Kat finally united the Front Office will attempt to assure the duo they can look forward to a winning season.

The top asset for the Wolves right now is the 1st overall pick in the 2020 draft. Rumors abound that Min is looking to trade down for a high-caliber player to take the team to the next level alongside it's starting duo. There's also the feeling that not a lot of teams are biting on the opportunity for the 1st overall pick - probably has something to do with this draft being regarded as 'weak.'

The Wolves have an abundance of young SG's between Culvert, Okogie, and Beasley, however, they will be lacking the starters they NEED at SF/PF and the veteran depth to fill out their bench next season. Salary-wise they won't have a lot to spend as James Johnson (PF) would have to be incredibly foolish not to pick up his whopping $16M option in a year when free agency contracts will be more stringent after COVID's impact. Here are a few players on their team to watch as the draft and free agency open up:

Juan Hernangomez / 6'9 214lbs 7'0 wingspan / $4.6M QO 2020-2021

Omari Spellman / 6'9 245lbs 7'2 wingspan / $1.9M 2020-2021

Both played for a new team (Wolves) this season, can shoot the rock from deep, provide energy, athleticism...and may stay right where they are at in Minnesota. In terms of depth, they at least fill the need for rotation and bench minutes in the frontcourt - which the Wolves should keep. The only reason either of these players would be considered expendable is if the FO drafted say, Obi Toppin / Wiseman, OR, traded for a legit starting SF/PF. At that point it could get a little crowded between KAT, JJ, Juan, Omari, and whoever they obtain. If that all falls into place and the Blazers need to pair a sturdy bench PF with Zach Collins, both Juan and Omari would do just fine there.