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Timberwolves Summer League Observations

By Christian Anton

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on January 6, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on January 6, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Throughout two games in this year’s NBA Summer League the rag tag Minnesota Timberwolves look so-so.

The Minnesota Timberwolves started Summer League play in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The Wolves summer squad is made up of mainly undrafted hopefuls looking to steal a roster spot for a team that desperately needs depth.  With Justin Patton missing the ten day exhibition, it has been a bipolar level of play over the course of two games.

The Timberwolves first game on Saturday ended in a blow out loss to the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 97-72.  Summer league coach Ryan Saunders stood by as his team never really stood a chance from the get go.

There were a few solid performances from Timberwolves hopefuls in the loss to Toronto.

The first being Marcus Paige.  The North Carolina product who was drafted last year by the Brooklyn Nets with the 55th overall pick had 18 points.  Paige also shot well from behind the arc hitting three of six shots taken.

The second was Jack Gibbs.  After playing four years at Steph Curry’s old stomping ground, Davidson, Gibbs looked aggressive with very deep range.  Gibbs also contributed three makes from behind the arc and took some deep 3-point attempts in the process.

For a full game one recap check out this article.

However, a good nights rest seemed to make all the difference for the Wolves.

On Sunday, the Timberwolves dished out their own lopsided win against the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 90-71.  A few new faces played very well including Charles Cooke, Levi Randolph, Perry Ellis, and Matt Costello.

Charles Cooke looked like an absolute beast in creating his own shot and making tough jumpers, he ended up with 15 points.

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In addition to playing Cooke, Saunders adjusted his starters by sitting Perry Ellis in favor of Matt Costello and it paid off.  Costello looked great in the post racking up 12 points and 15 rebounds, and Ellis actually ended up leading the team in scoring with 19 points off the bench.

Good call Coach Saunders.

The most consistent player throughout these two games though has to be Marcus Paige.  After putting up 12 points and six assists in the win against Denver it looks like Paige is gunning for that roster spot.

For a full game two recap check out this article.

Tom Thibodeau is looking to add a few more players, specifically back up point guard or wing.

If Paige continues to play at a high level the front office may consider bringing him to the NBA roster.  If they decide to add a wing out of Summer League,  Cooke could asset himself in the conservation with more performances like Saturday.

Next: What's next in free agency for the Timberwolves?

Next, the summer Timberwolves do battle against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.