Saunders, Timberwolves Ready To Shine On NBA Draft Night

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves have spent the last 11 years hidden in the NBA shadows.

Now the organization is preparing for a rare moment in the sun.

The Timberwolves have the first pick in the draft on Thursday night for the first time in the franchise's hard-luck history. Team president and coach Flip Saunders says it should be "the best draft day this organization has ever had."

Saunders wouldn't say who the Wolves will pick. The heavy favorite is Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns.

Saunders says he envisions the pick teaming with Andrew Wiggins to lead a renaissance in Minnesota similar to the one Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury started in 1997. Those two teamed up to snap a seven-year playoff drought.

The Wolves have not made the playoffs since 2004.