Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 things we’ve learned so far in Las Vegas
By Ben Beecken
Which of the non-roster guards will make the Wolves roster?
The Timberwolves have an intriguing trio of diminutive guards on their summer league squad, and they’ve taken turns on center stage through the first three games.
First, there’s two-way player Jared Terrell, who signed his deal the day after the NBA Draft back in late June. He only factors into this race in that if the Wolves feel like he could provide solid minutes at the NBA level and they think they’ll use most or all of his allotted service time during the season, they may feel less obligated to keep another scoring guard on the active roster.
Terrell has averaged 10.3 points on 43 percent shooting and has shown a solid stroke from long-range, as well as the athleticism and want-to to get to the rim. He was a good scorer at Rhode Island and while his measurables and defensive ability isn’t much to write home about, there’s certainly a chance that he becomes an effective bench scorer as a pro.
Isaiah Cousins averaged 13.1 points per game and shot 40.1 percent on 3-point attempts last year in the G-League, and has a bulldog scoring mentality similar to that of Terrell, although he’s probably a better long-range shooter. He also averaged 4.4 assists last year, and could have a bit more flexibility to play the point guard spot in a pinch. The flexibility and experience that Cousins has could be an advantage when it comes down to the end of the roster
Jonathan Stark has only received 14.7 minutes per game so far in summer league, but has shot the ball the best of the group (12-of-22, 55 percent) and has shown an impressive floater as part of his game and has scored the ball well in transition.
Similar to Terrell, Stark is an undrafted player who spent four years in college, splitting them between Tulane and Murray State. He had similar scoring numbers to Terrell also, but is much smaller and a better passer.
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Don’t be surprised if one of Cousins or Stark makes the team, with Terrell beginning the year in the G-League. At any rate, the Wolves could have a good problem when it comes to filling out their NBA and G-League rosters at the combo guard position.