Glen Taylor on Derrick Williams: 'We have to be really careful not to do that again'
Four years ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves had the second overall pick in a draft that had one obvious star and a few talented question marks behind him. The Cleveland Cavaliers made Kyrie Irving the top pick, leaving the Timberwolves with Arizona forward Derrick Williams, an explosive athlete who reminded some of Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin.
But Williams wasn't Griffin. He was a bust, and Minnesota eventually cut their losses by trading him to the Sacramento Kings for Luc Richard Mbah a Moute just a few weeks into the 2013-14 season.
This time around the Timberwolves don't have the second pick. They can choose any available prospect they like, but owner Glen Taylor realizes that guarantees nothing. Here's what he recently said at an ACG Minnesota Capital Connection luncheon:
"Taylor said the team doesn't want a repeat of 2011, when the Wolves spent the No. 2 overall pick on Derrick Williams. Taylor said he never became the player the team had envisioned and was eventually traded to Sacramento. He is 'a gifted player, but for some reason one that doesn't aspire to maybe get to the level that we think a No. 2 draft choice should get to,' Taylor said. 'I think we have to be really careful not to do that again.'"
While it's always good to be cautious, Minnesota's owner doesn't need to overthink this year's process. Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns is as sure a talent as has come along in quite some time, and should immediately help the Timberwolves on both ends of the floor.
He's a safe selection, and, unlike Williams, will know his role immediately.
(h/t: Biz Journals)
Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports
