Timberwolves Free Agency: Atlanta Hawks Edition

Thabo Sefolosha

Sefolosha just completed the three-year, $12 million contract he signed in Atlanta during the summer of 2014. The former Oklahoma City Thunder starter saw his role stay similar with the Hawks, although the spot-up opportunities beyond the arc were certainly fewer and further between than they had been playing around offensive talents like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in OKC.

In 189 games over three years (Sefolosha missed 20, 7, and 10 games, respectively, over the last three seasons), Sefolosha only started 60 games. As a primary bench cog, Sefolosha saw his three-point attempt rate decrease, as well as his success rate on the long-range shots that he did launch.

He continues to be a solid defender, despite completing his age-32 season. However, with a career three-point percentage of 33.5, Sefolosha barely qualifies as a “three-and-D” player, despite hitting on threes at a 42.2 percent clip from 2011-13 with the Thunder.

However, if Sefolosha is willing to play for around $4 million per year again, he would be a solid addition to a Wolves rotation that is largely devoid of above-average wing defense. Andrew Wiggins has all of the tools in the world, of course, but has simply not been consistent as an NBA defender. Brandon Rush and Shabazz Muhammad were both poor defensively will be free agents. Zach LaVine will be a step slow when he returns from his ACL tear and hasn’t been a consistent defender, either.

Verdict: Sefolosha would provide solid one-on-one and team defense on the perimeter, plus add, at worst, a league-average threat from beyond the arc. This is a marriage that makes a ton of sense on paper. The question will probably be if he’s willing to play for a fringe playoff team when there will no doubt be true contenders inquiring about his services.