Minnesota Timberwolves Free Agency: Thabo Sefolosha

Thabo Sefolosha has the potential to become a key member of the Timberwolves bench this offseason.

Thabo Sefolosha most recently completed his third season with the Atlanta Hawks, starting 42 of 62 regular season appearances and contributing 7.2 points in 25.7 minutes.

He has 11 years of NBA experience, spending time with three different teams. The most obvious benefit from a Sefolosha acquisition would be the veteran presence he could provide. At 33 years old, he is older than all of the current Wolves roster, however, has a number of years of basketball left in him. His 11 years in the NBA also trumps the rest of the Timberwolves.

Throughout his 11 years in the NBA, Sefolosha has participated in eight playoff campaigns. As I have reiterated throughout many of my free agent pieces, if the Timberwolves plan to do better than getting swept in their return to the playoffs next year, they’re going to need a player with postseason experience. Sefolosha could provide this experience, and lead the Wolves’ second unit to provide backup for the starting five.

The 6-foot-7 Sefolosha has experience at both shooting guard and small forward, and is versatile to play at either position depending on the needs in Minnesota. Despite playing most of his career at shooting guard, the last three season have seen Sefolosha at small forward regularly, meaning he won’t feel out of place in either position.

I can see Sefolosha relieving either Wiggins or LaVine, and while not being as good offensively as either player, there’s a strong argument for his defensive ability.

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Sefolosha ranked fifth in defensive box plus/minus this season and currently ranks 60th all-time. Sefolosha was also selected to the all-NBA defensive second team for the 2009-10 season.

The Timberwolves had the fifth-worst defensive rating last season and are certainly in need of defensive minded players.

It was widely reported that Tom Thibodeau would be focusing on the Timberwolves defense upon his arrival, but the Timberwolves only improved one spot in their defensive ranking last season.

In order for Thibodeau’s defensive strategy to work out, the Timberwolves are certainly in need of some defensive-minded players and Sefolosha could provide this from the Wolves’ bench.

Sefolosha’s stats throughout his career position him as the perfect bench contributor for the Timberwolves. Throughout his 13 years in the NBA, Sefolosha has averaged 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 23.3 minutes per game.

However, his stats this past season were all an improvement on his career totals, averaging higher in all major statistical categories. Sefolosha’s stats of 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game show that he still has at least a few more seasons of basketball left in him.

Sefolosha is a good fit for the Timberwolves bench and is the sort of player that should be acquired this offseason.

With his last few contracts costing around $4 million a year, Sefolosha could be providing the experience of a veteran for the price of a rookie.

Sefolosha’s veteran knowledge, playoff experience and steady contributions tick a number of boxes on the Wolves’ checklist for free agents.

In order for the Timberwolves to be a strong team next season, they will need a player like Sefolosha on the bench, and with his asking price, this shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish. I would be very happy to see Sefolosha in Minnesota next season.

Next: A look at Toronto's Raptors' players in free agency

This idea came from reader ‘Twolvesfan1’. If you know a free agent the Timbewolves should be looking at this offseason, let me know in the comments below.