Wolves select Brazilian center Paulao Prestes with 45th pick

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Timberwolves selected 6'11" 260-pound center Paulao Prestes from Brazil with the 45th overall pick in the NBA draft.

Team president David Kahn said Prestes was rated as one of the top rebounders in the entire draft, but he is highly unlikely to suit up for the Wolves this season. Prestes' current contract in the Spanish ACB league does not include a buyout.

Prestes, 22, averaged 9.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in the Spanish ACB league last season, while shooting 57 percent from the field.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
Email Phil | @PMac21 | Reusse and Mackey