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