Minnesota Timberwolves Free Agency: Joe Ingles
Joe Ingles could add the perimeter shooting and defensive strength the Minnesota Timberwolves need in their playoff push.
Joe Ingles has proved throughout Utah’s playoff run that he can be a key role player for a contending team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves intend to be a contending team next season – so Joe Ingles may be exactly the player they’re searching for.
He is off contract with Utah come this offseason, after a relatively modest two-year $4.5 million deal. This contract seems even more modest when you consider Ingles has started every playoff game for the Jazz this year.
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Throughout the regular season, he appeared in all 82 games, starting 26 of them.
He also averaged 7.1 points in 24 minutes on 45.2 percent from the field including 44.1 percent from 3-point range.
Ingles ranked fourth in 3-point percentage throughout the regular season, the highest-ranked small forward, and the only player in the top 40 to appear in all 82 games.
Despite being listed as a small forward and his 6-foot-8 frame, Ingles is often played as a shooting guard due to his ability to knock down threes, and superior defensive abilities. Ingles was
He was credited by many with keeping the Clippers, particularly JJ Redick, to quite low scores, due to his defensive effort.
Fellow Jazz player and possible free-agent-to-be Gordon Hayward himself has been full of praise for Ingles, noting his exceptional defense.
It’s no secret that the Timberwolves have been striving to be better defensively in their playoff push. The need for defensive players will only be intensified after a season in which the Wolves had the fifth-worst defensive rating.
The Timberwolves will also be in need of a stronger bench and are searching for a sixth man.
This role could suit Ingles perfectly. Slotting right into the gap Shabazz Muhammad will leave, Ingles can provide 3-point shooting off the bench, playing either the two or three.
Due to his experience in playing decent minutes, Ingles could also be a reliever for more than one player off the bench. He can relieve Wiggins at small forward, then shift to shooting guard when LaVine needs a break.
This versatility will allow the Timberwolves to leave members of the ‘Big Three’ on the court with the second unit, and provide a scoring option in Ingles for them to play alongside.
The left-handed shooter can find his own shots off-the-dribble, shoot off screens, find open space, or drive to the basket on resting defense, as you’ll see in the following video.
The ability to shoot in a number of situations will space the floor for the Timberwolves, providing more scoring opportunities not only for himself but for the rest of the Wolves on the court.
Joe Ingles is a good fit with the Timberwolves. He is used to coming off the bench, but his experience as a starter will give the Timberwolves backups a bit of a kick.
Ingles has played big minutes and is versatile enough to fit at the two or three. His defensive effort will boost the Wolves defensive rating, and provide a threat the Wolves so desperately need when defending the ball.
Joe Ingles will also add the veteran presence the Minnesota Timberwolves are after.
He will be 30 at the beginning of next season. Along with representing Australia in three Olympic Games, Ingles played professional basketball in Australia, Spain, and Israel before landing at Utah three years ago in his NBA debut.
His experience with Utah’s playoff run this year will also be integral if the Wolves plan to make a postseason impact next year.
He is not used to big contracts, however, he will definitely be making a bit more in his next signing.
The Timberwolves have the cap space necessary to lure Ingles to Minnesota, and the roster to constitute a playoff worthy team that Ingles belongs on.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves look at Gordon Hayward in free agency
Joe Ingles can provide the Timberwolves with desperately needed defense and bench-scoring in Minnesota’s hunt for a sixth man on their playoff-ready roster.