5. Melo Trimble
Melo Trimble has a step on the rest of the competition, as he has a short, but ongoing history with the team. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League team in Las Vegas, posting averages of 10.3 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.3 rebounds on 60 percent shooting.
He then signed with the Timberwolves on September 18th and was on the roster for their entire preseason slate, including the trip overseas to China. He only appeared in one game, however, scoring four points and grabbing one board.
Trimble was waived in the middle of October, shortly before the NBA season began, and was soon assigned to the Iowa Wolves. Although he never secured a two-way contract, that seems like it could change now. He’s been lighting up the G-League with averages of 20.7 points, 6.1 assists and 3.5 boards on a 44.4 percent field goal percentage.
His 6-foot-3 frame should also give him the ability to hand most point guards on the defensive end of the floor.
His familiarity with the system, and basically being under Tom Thibodeau’s eye for the last three months means Minnesota knows more about Trimble than any other player they might bring in. This could be good or bad for the young man out of Maryland, depending on how he’s fared so far.