Based on the NBA standings, the Timberwolves stand a good chance to finish with the fifth-worst record in the league. Basketball Reference puts their pre-lottery odds of being in that No. 5 spot at 84 percent. In the lottery, of course, a lot can happen.
The Wolves' most likely outcome will be to remain in that fifth spot and get the No. 5 pick, but they really could finish anywhere between 1-8, except for No. 4, assuming they finish the year with the fifth-worst record (teams can only jump into the top three, and teams can only fall three spots from their expected slot).
As such, there are a wide variety of players that could end up being on the Wolves' radar. Here is a look at five of them who are playing in this year's NCAA men's basketball tournament — a sort of guide to watching the tourney if you pay more attention to the pro game and specifically the Wolves.
Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke: At 6-10, 196 pounds, Ingram is long and thin for a small forward. But the freshman, who won't turn 19 until September, is also extremely athletic and can shoot the ball — entering the NCAA tournament with 74 three-pointers (hitting 41.3 percent of his attempts). The Wolves would likely have to jump into the top three to have a shot at Ingram, a projected one-and-done player. Ingram had 20 points and nine rebounds Thursday as Duke survived a scare against UNC Wilmington to advance to the round of 32.
Jaylen Brown, SF, Cal: At 6-7, 221 pounds, Brown has a more developed NBA body than Ingram even though he, too, is a freshman. He's more of a slasher and rim finisher than Ingram, but he must improve his shot. It's hard to say if his skill set fits what the Wolves need, but he might be available in that 3-8 range. Cal plays Hawaii at 1 p.m. Friday.
Jakob Poeltl, PF/C, Utah: A 7-footer who can block shots and rebound, Poeltl would be an intriguing name depending on where the Wolves end up picking. The end of this season has shown the Wolves have precious little depth among big men, and Poeltl could be a valuable addition even though he lacks offensive polish. Third-seeded Utah played Fresno State on Thursday to reach Saturday's second round.
Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma: Hield shot 46.4 percent from three-point range in the regular season and averaged 25 points, making him a player to watch this season — and a player to keep an eye on as the draft approaches. He's athletic, and his 6-9 wingspan belies his 6-4 height. But he might be undersized and exploitable on defense at the NBA level. Oklahoma plays Cal State-Bakersfield at 3 p.m. Friday.
Denzel Valentine, SG/SF, Michigan State: The 6-5 senior is just an all-around excellent basketball player with a high hoops IQ. Draft experts are all over the map with him, though, because he doesn't project as an elite athlete. He feels to me like a player a lot of teams will end up regretting not picking, but he also could be too "safe" of a pick for the Wolves to take as high as they will draft. Michigan State, a trendy pick to go all the way, plays Middle Tennessee State at 1:45 p.m. Friday.
