3 things D’Angelo Russell would bring to the table for the Minnesota Timberwolves

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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 20: Antoine Griezmann greets D’Angelo Russell #1 before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets on Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

1. Shot Creating and Shotmaking

The best part of D-Lo’s game is undoubtedly his ability to create and knockdown his own shot.

Russell is tremendous at using his handles to create space from shorter defenders, who he can then easily rise over with his quick, high release. The most intriguing aspects of the Ohio State product’s shot arsenal are his pull-up and spot-up skills.

When shooting off a pull-up, Russell shot 34.9 percent from behind the arc, which is a number that would be solid on standstill shots. What makes this number look even better is the fact that 52.3 percent of his shot attempts were pull-up jumpers.

Perhaps where the Wolves will most benefit from his shot-creating ability is behind the arc. 47.0 percent of his makes from downtown were created by himself, which takes a ton of pressure off of Minnesota’s primary scorers, Towns and Wiggins.

Russell was no slouch when it came to spotting up for shots, either. The Nets point guard shot 39.4 percent on spot-up threes, which translated to an eFG of 58.2 percent. NBA.com defines eFG percentage as “field goal percentage adjusting for made 3-point field goals being 1.5 times more valuable than made 2-point field.” For reference, Trae Young, who is widely seen as one of the best shooters in the NBA, posted an eFG of 58.0 percent.

Additionally, Russell was great shooting from the corners. In the right corner, D’Lo shot a staggering 63.2 percent from 3, and shot 39.4 percent from the left corner.

This ability will give Ryan Saunders the ability to let Wiggins operate with the ball in his hands at the top of the key and place Russell in the corner. Wiggins is proficient at getting in the lane and finding teammates for open shots on the wing and in the corner, which gives Minnesota another element to its offense.

Furthermore, D-Lo would give Minnesota a boost at all four jump shooting levels. Last season, Minnesota’s team shooting splits by distance from the basket was as follows:

10-14 FT: 38.4 percent
15-19 FT: 39.8 percent
20-24 FT: 37.3 percent
25-29 FT: 34.3 percent

Russell shot:

10-14 FT: 50.7 percent
15-19 FT: 44.0 percent
20-24 FT: 39.6 percent
25-29 FT: 35.7 percent

It is important to note here that Russell shot 5.7 attempts per game from the 25-29 foot range, because if the Wolves want to make a leap next season, they need to shoot, and make, more 3-pointers.

In D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota would be welcoming a guy that can consistently make just about any type of shot a guard takes on the floor. Whether it is a floater, moving 3, pull-up, spot-up 3, crafty layup, fadeaway, one-legged jumper, if you name it, Russell has the capability to make it consistently.

If Rosas can bring him in, the All-Star guard would bring playoff experience, offensive superstar potential, scoring, shotmaking, flare, isolation ability, and most importantly, wins, to a city that is pining for a second star to add next to Karl-Anthony Towns next season.

Russell has the ability that can elevate the Wolves into the thick of the playoff race. In a best-case scenario, the move could result in the Wolves having home-court advantage at Target Center for the first round of the playoffs next season.

dark. Next. Minnesota Timberwolves: Assessing the point guard market

For a fan base that has been desperate to see a contender on the floor for the better part of the last 15 years, the next two days should be an absolute thrill ride.

Get ready, Wolves fans. Gersson Rosas is just getting started.