The Minnesota Timberwolves’ G-League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, is off to a hot start. With some players that may make an appearance in the NBA later this season, let’s check in on our Wolves.
The Iowa Wolves currently sit atop their division, with an 18-14 record that, should the season end today, would place them in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the season isn’t quite yet over for the Wolves, who’ll need to keep winning games to secure their spot in the playoffs and a shot at the first G-League championship since the rebranding.
One of the Timberwolves’ two-way contract players, Amile Jefferson, is currently leading the league in rebounds per game at 12.7, and also has the most double-doubles with 23.
Unfortunately for Jefferson, Minnesota’s limited frontcourt rotation, and the fact Justin Patton may get a shot before him, may mean he may not get an opportunity to step into the NBA just yet. However, the fact Thibodeau decided to award Jefferson a two-way contract in January means he wants to make sure nobody else can snap Jefferson up, and he may be a future project for Minnesota after all.
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Anthony Brown, the other player with the Timberwolves’ two-way contract, is currently averaging 20.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 39 minutes per game.
Justin Patton, the Timberwolves’ pick in this years draft, has started 11 of his 21 appearances in Iowa, and is averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 19 minutes a game.
Patton’s season seems to be more focused on rehabilitation from his earlier injury, and Thibodeau doesn’t seem to be in a rush to get him into Minnesota’s lineup.
Melo Trimble, who was a member of the Timberwolves’ preseason roster after going undrafted last year, and later joined Iowa after being waived on Oct.14, has started all 30 of his appearances in the G-League. Trimble is averaging 17.7 points and 5.5 assists and recently achieved his first career triple-double in a Wolves’ victory.
Melo Trimble had a HUUUUUUGE night, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in his first professional @nbagleague triple-double while leading the Wolves to victory! pic.twitter.com/lmxCPWSmrk
— Iowa Wolves (@iawolves) February 4, 2018
Anthony Brown and Amile Jefferson are both representing the Iowa Wolves on the All-NBA G-League team, as the old All-Star game format isn’t taking place this year.
The honor stands to recognize the players’ achievements on the court so far this season, and with the two players chosen in the G-League, along with Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns in the NBA All-Star game, its a good year to be a wolf.
The Iowa Wolves still have all of this month and next month of the regular season to play, and will hopefully be looking to make a playoff appearance after that. The Wolves have some great developmental players growing in the G-League, that we may see suit up in Minnesota one day.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves podcast: Trade deadline edition
The Iowa Wolves are enjoying a top-class season, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. If both teams keep growing alongside each other, it’s going to be quite an era for Wolves basketball.