In his latest mock draft on ESPN.com, Chad Ford projects that the Minnesota Timberwolves will select Fab Melo with the No. 18 overall pick in next week's draft. Ford believes that the Wolves would like to add somebody on the wings but feel that if a player of that caliber isn't available that the team may take a chance on Melo's size.

Standing seven-tall and weighing close to 260 pounds, he was a force last season as a sophomore at Syracuse registering an average of 7.8 points and 5.8 boards per game. The Orange were favorites to win the NCAA Tournament this past season prior to Melo being declared academically ineligible for the tournament.

Here is what Ford has to say about the pick via ESPN:

The team is praying that one of the wings, such as Terrence Ross or Austin Rivers, slides to them here. But if they don't, the Wolves may choose to go big with Melo. Nikola Pekovic was a revelation this year, but after that the cupboard is pretty bare. Darko Milicic has one more year on his deal, but he's not a long-term answer in Minnesota.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, head over to Canis Hoopus. More news and analysis on the NBA can be found over at SB Nation's NBA hub, and more on the upcoming draft can be found at the specialized NBA Draft hub.