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Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: Big lottery changes, Miami Heat grab wing

Jack Simone|
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves hugs LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game at Target Center on March 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves hugs LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets after the game at Target Center on March 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 135-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes up for a shot on Derrick Jones Jr. #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: 23. Xavier Tillman Sr, Minnesota Timberwolves

Original pick: Leandro Bolmaro

Timberwolves 2020 starting lineup

  • Ricky Rubio
  • Malik Beasley
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Jarred Vanderbilt
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

New Timberwolves 2020 starting lineup

  • LaMelo Ball
  • Malik Beasley
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Xavier Tillman Sr
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

Jaden McDaniels is long gone at this point, so the Timberwolves ideally need to find another answer at the power forward position. Luckily, Xavier Tillman Sr has fallen right into their lap.

While he might not be as good of a prospect as McDaniels, Tillman is ready to contribute right away. He was one of the best surprises of the season for the Memphis Grizzlies in his rookie season.

Tillman was able to do a little bit of everything for Memphis. He wasn’t elite at any one particular thing, but he gets the job done and was able to play nearly 20 minutes per game.

He still has some room to grow, but at 6-8, he’s the perfect size and build to play power forward in the NBA. He would pair nicely next to Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota.

So, while Timberwolves fans are probably upset over losing McDaniels, they get a solid replacement option. As for Tillman, he jumps up 13 picks in this re-draft, becoming the second second-round pick to be selected.

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