Kanter at 2?

        Had he actually played basketball this season, Cleveland could be arguing over point guard Kyrie Irving or center Enes Kanter for their top overall pick. But as it stands, Kanter was ruled ineligible, and the Cavs will end up selecting Irving with No. 1. Because of the uncertainties surrounding Kanter (missing the entire year of basketball this season, underwhelming athleticism, and some poor workouts), he won't go next in line…. Or will he?

        Versatile forward Derrick Williams, widely considered the second-best player in this draft after his 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 57 percent 3-point shooting this season, all while standing a bit under 6'9" with a 9-foot standing reach, could fall to No. 3 and Kanter could fill in nicely for Minnesota.

        To be perfect honest, Minnesota has holes to fill all over the roster- the only building blocks are Kevin Love, the league's rebounding champ, and potentially Ricky Rubio at point guard. With the second overall pick, David Kahn should not be worried about filling a "need" per se, but instead taking the best player available; the Timberwolves have won just 32 games in the past two seasons combined.

        Enes Kanter is appealing, there is no doubt about that- he has great size at 6'11", 260 pounds and plays with great physicality. He is skilled- Kanter can handle the ball on the perimeter, knock down mid-range jumpers and possesses a soft touch down low, despite his tough, rugged play. Adding Kanter to the roster would allow the Timberwolves to shift Kevin Love to his more-natural power forward slot, and make a decent rebounding team, a better one.

        Williams is more skilled offensively and given his versatility, he would play mostly power forward, but certainly has some ability to play small forward as well. His efficient scoring nature (59.5 percent field-goal percentage last season and averaged 1.95 points per shot attempt) would greatly help Minnesota offensively. Williams would be able to improve Minnesota's 3-point defense as well, a category where the Timberwolves ranked fourth-to-last in 2010-11.

        Best of all, by selecting Williams with the second overall pick in the draft, current forwards Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph could be shopped and bring in future veteran pieces to fill-in the need at shooting guard.


By President Corey Ruff - 6-22-11