The Minnesota Timberwolves may be preparing for a pretty big swerve during next week's 2015 NBA Draft.
Minnesota has the No. 1 overall pick-assuming they do not trade the pick, they will roster the last three No. 1 overall selections-and the common wisdom holds that they will select either Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns or Duke's Jahlil Okafor, the top two centers in the class.
The Wolves would rather NBA observers not assume they are that limited. Ohio State combo guard D'Angelo Russell is working out for Minnesota today, and per ESPN's Chad Ford the Timberwolves are adamant that Russell is in play at No. 1.
D'Angelo Russell working out today for the Wolves. Wolves have been pushing for this workout, insisting he's in the mix for 1
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 18, 2015
Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and five assists per game last season as a freshman for the Buckeyes, and showed an impressive shooting stroke, knocking down 41 percent of his 3-pointers on 6.6 attempts.
Russell was reportedly very impressive on Wednesday during a workout for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have the No. 3 pick in the draft. Russell had cancelled a previous workout because he was "real sick," and it fueled speculation that he was trying to steer himself away from their constant rebuild. On Wednesday, he quieted those concerns and talked about how much he liked Philadelphia.
Minnesota may also have eyes for foreign prospect Kristaps Porzingis, a 7-footer with 3-point range that could provide stretch shooting if paired with center Nikola Pekovic. There is a clearer path to playing time for Porzingis-or Towns or Okafor-than for Russell would either have to unseat Ricky Rubio at point guard, or compete with fellow first-round pick Zach LaVine.
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