best of the big men
The Wolves not only need shooters, but they are also searching for a skilled and/or shot-blocking big man in Thursday's draft:
Cody Zeller
F, 7-0, Indiana, sophomore
College center who will have to learn a new way and shows different skills as an NBA "stretch 4."
Steven Adams
C, 7-0, Pitt, freshman
Big, raw, physical presence from New Zealand who's only 19.
Lucas Nogueira
C, 7-0, Brazil
Long and ridiculously athletic shot blocker who's 20 and still developing.
Rudy Gobert
C, 7-2, France
Flip Saunders calls the 20-year-old with the freakish 7-9 wingspan a shot-blocking three-year project.
Mason Plumlee
C, 7-0, Duke
Athletic, improved big man, much like brother Miles, whom Wolves coveted in last year's draft.
Jeff Withey
C, 7-0, Kansas
Another shot-blocker the Wolves brought in for a workout. His toughness anchored Kansas' defense.
jerry zgoda