How the Kristaps Porzingis injury affects the Minnesota Timberwolves
Kristaps Porzingis left last nights contest against the Milwaukee Bucks with a torn ACL. How does this affect the Minnesota Timberwolves?
It’s always sad to see a player go down with an injury no matter how you feel toward a team or player. So many injuries have gone around the league these past few weeks, such as John Wall, Kevin Love, Malcolm Brogdon and now Kristaps Porzingis.
At first, it doesn’t sound like it would affect the Minnesota Timberwolves in any way, but in actuality… it does. Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard the rumors swirl around the ‘Big Apple’ as to how they’re going to handle the trade deadline/buyout market.
At this point, the New York Knicks may be wise to look toward the future. They’re 11th in the Eastern Conference and five games back from eighth place. They just lost their best player and because of that they’re more than likely not going to make the playoffs.
They have a lot of players who could be on the move, such as Kyle O’Quinn, Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah and Jarret Jack. Not exciting big names, but players that are good to have on your team. Of course, the NBA continues to get crazier and as I’m writing this, Willy Hernangomez, whom I originally had included on that list was traded.
As the New York Knicks discuss possible trade scenarios, exiled center Joakim Noah won’t be required to return to the team prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, league sources tell ESPN. Noah was sent away after a practice confrontation with Jeff Hornacek on Jan. 24.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2018
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The one issue is that Noah and Lee have ugly contracts. Noah is making close to $18 million and Lee is close to $12 million. Are they worth that amount of money? Noah… no (laughs inside) and Lee… well I’m unsure with a little sway towards the no side.
Lee has the ability to shoot the ball and play defense but his production doesn’t match that amount of money. I’d say he should be making somewhere between $7-9 million. Whatever it’s worth, they’re getting paid.
I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of those players get bought out. In fact, I would be surprised if they didn’t buyout or trade at least one of those players.
| Player | Season | Age | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Jack | 2017-18 | 34 | 26.4 | 3.2 | 7.5 | .423 | 0.4 | 1.4 | .280 | 0.9 | 1.2 | .803 | 3.2 | 6.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 7.7 |
| Courtney Lee | 2017-18 | 32 | 32.9 | 5.0 | 11.0 | .451 | 1.6 | 3.9 | .416 | 1.7 | 1.8 | .930 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 13.3 |
| Joakim Noah | 2017-18 | 32 | 5.7 | 0.7 | 1.4 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | .500 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.7 | |
| Kyle O’Quinn | 2017-18 | 27 | 16.6 | 2.6 | 4.4 | .594 | 0.0 | 0.1 | .000 | 1.3 | 1.7 | .767 | 5.6 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 6.5 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/7/2018.
If I were the Wolves, I would not trade for any of those players unless the trade is too good to pass up on. With that being said, if the price was right or they were bought out, I wouldn’t mind having any of them on the roster. I’m a little skeptical with how Noah would fair, but Tom Thibodeau did bring out the best of him in Chicago.
Jack would have a tough time finding his role with the Wolves because Jeff Teague and Tyus Jones do control the point guard position. O’Quinn would be a good addition because he does block shots and can defend pretty well, as well as he gives 110 percent and would instantly become a spark plug. As for Lee, he would be great for his ability to shoot and defend.
Next: 7 reasons the Timberwolves shouldn't trade Jeff Teague
Losing Porzingis for the season and possibly into next season will certainly hurt the Knicks future plans. That being said, it’s more than likely they are huge sellers at the trade deadline. They should look to build for the future and start gaining assets. Minnesota could find one of those players on their roster this season.