The T'Wolves won the NBA Draft Lottery last night for the first time in franchise history, but rumors are "already circling that prospects might try to angle away from Minnesota in favor of a larger market," according to Ben Golliver of SI.com. Minneapolis has "never been a desirable NBA destination, and the Lakers and Knicks are both breathing down the Timberwolves' necks in the draft order," at second and fourth, respectively (SI.com, 5/19). Fox Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski said the initial reaction of people around Kentucky C Karl-Anthony Towns of "getting a chance to play for the Lakers was at least as intriguing as that of the possibility of going No. 1 overall." Wojnarowski: "If Towns and his camp become hesitant about visiting Minnesota and makes it clear that they want to join the Lakers, that could increase pressure on Minnesota to look more closely" at taking Duke C Jahlil Okafor at No. 1 (“Fox Sports Live,” FS1, 5/20). ESPN’s Jalen Rose: “You’re going to see how young and impressionable players are. ... Going No. 1 may not be so attractive when you can go No. 2 and go to Los Angeles. Stay tuned” (“2015 NBA Draft Lottery,” ESPN, 5/19).
