Minnesota Timberwolves: Predicting the 2018-19 depth chart

No. 10: The sharpshooter

James Nunnally

In early August, the Timberwolves acquired perhaps the best long-range shooter left on the market.

In exactly the sort of thinking-outside-the-box acquisition that Tom Thibodeau is not exactly known for, the Wolves signed James Nunnally, a sharpshooter who has spent the past couple of years with Fenerbahce of the Euroleague. Last year, he shot an insane 55.4 percent on 3-point attempts, leaving his overall long-range percentage over the two years north of 50.

Nunnally is 6-foot-7 and can play both wing spots but probably fits best as a small forward in the NBA. He profiles as a solid defender, and that’s how he’ll earn his minutes in Thibodeau’s notoriously tight rotation.

That means that he’ll really only get minutes behind Wiggins and Butler, which means that there won’t be much to go around unless one or both are in foul trouble. Remember, Tolliver can play the small forward spot and Rose will be playing some at the two, so available minutes could be scarce.

Surely, Nunnally’s playing time will largely be matchup driven, but the option to go to a bench player with a knock-down jumper and above-average length and defensive skills will be a luxury that Thibodeau did not have last season.

Here’s hoping that if Nunnally starts off the season strong that he’ll have every opportunity to earn heavier minutes as the year wears on.