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Minnesota Timberwolves: Offseason Improvement Plans

By Tyler Metcalf

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 7: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three-pointer against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 7: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three-pointer against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Josh Okogie #20 of the Minnesota Timberwolves  (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Josh Okogie #20 of the Minnesota Timberwolves  (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Josh Okogie: Scoring Consistency

Josh Okogie was an absolute delight last season as a rookie. He was a high energy defender and was happy to attack the rim on offense. The issues arose with his ability to score. He showed flashes but was far from a reliable option.

While not perfect, Okogie’s shot selection was encouraging with 39 percent of his shots coming at the rim, 24 percent from mid-range, and 37 percent from three, per Cleaning the Glass. On top of this, he was tightly guarded on only 7.1 percent of his shots outside ten feet. Okogie clearly can recognize what a good shot looks like, now he just needs to become more consistent with putting the ball through the hoop.

The most glaring and most difficult area of improvement for Okogie will be his jump shot. His mechanics are still clunky with an inconsistent push shot. This will be a project but also vital to his development as a player and an offensive weapon. The best place for him to become more comfortable is with his corner threes.

Last season 15 percent of Okogie’s shots came from the corner three, but he only made 30 percent of these (13th percentile among wings) according to Cleaning the Glass. Most corner three attempts come in catch-and-shoot opportunities and in these situations, Okogie scored only .832 points per possession, per Synergy.

Okogie’s inconsistent ball handling leads to most of his scoring opportunities coming from spot-up situations (38.7 percent). Okogie will need to stop rushing his shot and improve upon the fluidity of his mechanics. If he can do this, the floor will open up for the offense.

While it is important for Okogie to improve his shooting consistency for his long-term success, it is even more important for him to improve finishing at the rim. Last season 39 percent of Okogie’s shot attempts came at the rim, but he shot only 58 percent from there (41st percentile). Okogie was more than happy to use his athleticism to get to the rim, but he struggled to produce consistently once he gets there.

Next. Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Profile: Cam Reddish. dark

A big reason for this inconsistency is just the fact that Okogie was a rookie adjusting to the physicality of the NBA. An offseason of NBA level weight training should help improve these numbers, but he needs to work on his touch around the rim as well. Okogie filled a big role for the Timberwolves last season, but in order to be a long-term option, he will need to improve his scoring consistency.