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Okafor wants right fit, doesn't care about who goes No. 1

Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Minnesota Timberwolves' choice of draft picks at No. 1, between big men Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns, has already been the subject of much scrutiny. Could the Wolves - who reportedly prefer Okafor - be swayed toward Towns, a better defender and floor spacer who's a more optimal fit in today's game?

If you're asking Okafor, there's no ego trip in being the first player selected.

"I don't know that I should go No. 1," Okafor told Sports Illustrated. "I don't care. I just want to go to the right environment for me and the right team. I think the hype about No. 1 is more for the fans."

The extreme cynic could view this through the lens of reports that both players would prefer landing with the L.A. Lakers at No. 2. While it's not difficult to grasp the idea that two 19-year-old's on the verge of becoming millionaires might prefer Los Angeles to Minneapolis, the fact is the Wolves have the first pick and will be taking one of them.

On Tuesday night, Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said he eventually wants a new coach so he can have current bench boss Flip Saunders focus on his general manager duties. Even if that happens sooner rather than later, it's hard to see that altering draft-day decision making. Saunders is known as an old-school coach, one of the main reasons most believe he's leaning towards Okafor.

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