Los Angeles Lakers among the five winners of 2017 NBA Draft

Minnesota Timberwolves

When you acquire the best player on draft night, it is tough to be a winner. When the trade was announced that Butler was landing in Minnesota, they were automatically big winners. Not only did the Timberwolves land Butler, they received the 16th overall pick and didn’t even have to surrender a huge trade package.

To land Butler, the Timberwolves traded shooting guard Zach LaVine, point guard Kris Dunn, and the seventh overall pick, which turned into Lauri Markkanen. The only thing that knocks the Timberwolves down is that they could have had Butler for LaVine and Dunn, the fifth pick, at least year’s draft. But, trading the seventh pick didn’t hurt the Timberwolves much as they got the 16th pick back.

With the 16th pick, the Timberwolves landed high upside Creighton center, Justin Patton. Patton has ways to go in development but has a lot to work with. He has a soft touch around the rim and has shown an ability to step out and knock down jumpers.

Patton needs to add strength to reach his potential. His lack of strength makes him an underwhelming rebounder and rim protector. But, Patton will have plenty of time to grow given the other players on Minnesota’s roster.

Tom Thibodeau stuck it to his old team in this one. They were big winners on draft night acquiring Butler and the 16th pick.