Minnesota Timberwolves: Deng Adel signed to training camp contract

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly signed undrafted rookie Deng Adel to a training camp contract as they seek to fill their remaining roster spots.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have two open roster spots remaining, and while it seems likely that at least one of the two is filled by a veteran at the end of the bench — Joakim Noah, anyone? — this signals that they’re still looking for young talent and creative ways to fill out their roster.

Deng Adel is a 6-foot-7 wing who played three years at the University of Louisville. After playing sparingly as a freshman, he averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game during his sophomore season. As a junior in 2017-18, Adel bumped his averages to 14.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 35 percent on 3-point attempts.

Adel declared for the draft and hired an agent but went undrafted in June. He then played for the Houston Rockets’ entry in Las Vegas Summer League and put up 8.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 21.2 minutes per game.

The former Cardinal was born in South Sudan, moved to Uganda as a child, and finally to Australia. While in high school, he was offered a scholarship to play basketball at an academy in Florida.

Here is one pre-draft scouting report on Adel, from The Stepian:

"Adel was a solid college player who is good at many things but great at none. He’s a nice ball-handler for his size, but not a good enough one for it to really matter at the NBA level. His positioning and technique on defense are a mess despite attractive physical tools, and his shot still hasn’t really come around even though he’s already 22. With his lack of strength and efficient offense, it’s tough to see him as an NBA player. Still, he’s a toolsy wing with some production, so he’ll get looks."

It will be tough for him to make the roster, as the Wolves have added the likes of Josh Okogie and James Nunnaly at the wing spot this offseason, plus two-way contract signees Jared Terrell and C.J. Williams.

That said, kudos to Tom Thibodeau, Scott Layden, and the Timberwolves front office for continuing to seek wing talent — and potential 3-and-D talent — in creative ways with no risk. A training camp deal isn’t guaranteed, of course, and the Wolves will get to see Adel match-up against their wings in training camp before making a final decision on his future.

There’s always the possibility that they could ask him to sign with the Iowa Wolves, too, although a player like Adel could surely make a lot more money playing overseas than he would in the G League.