THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There are some seriously impressive prospects available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

The next side under the spotlight are the Minnesota Timberwolves, who impressed the entire league with a conference final appearance and should be contending again next season.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft Selections

27, 37

Contracted Players

Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, Wendell Moore Jr. (team option), Leonard Miller, Josh Minott

The Timberwolves were one of the best teams in the Western Conference last season, finishing as the second seed and upsetting the reigning champions to book a spot in the conference finals. Although they were bested by a red-hot Dallas Mavericks side, the future is clearly bright for Minnesota.

As a result of their success in the 2023/24 season, the Timberwolves’ first pick is not until late in the first round, although the team does not need too many pieces to take the next step.

One player that could be of interest for Minnesota is KJ Simpson, as the Timberwolves will be looking for their point guard of the future. With Conley set to turn 37 next season, the team will be eager to get their next playmaker, and Simpson is a great option.

He can create his own shot off the dribble, rarely turning the ball over with an extremely tight handle and getting to his spots, with his shotmaking boosted by his fast release. With Edwards also demanding the ball at times, Simpson’s ability to operate off the ball is also a massive bonus for the Timberwolves.

With their second pick, the Timberwolves could look to bring in a forward, and Ryan Dunn could be an ideal candidate. In the series loss to Dallas, Minnesota lacked a physical defensive presence to slow down the likes of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Riving, and Dunn fits the bill.

He is the best defender in the draft class, and can prevent drives while making life difficult for opposition players that try to break him down off the dribble, and boasts the versatility to guard multiple positions. While his shooting may need work, he has excellent athletic traits to suggest he can generate offence on the drive.