Checking in on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ top 3 offseason additions

Jake Layman

Donning the uniform number made famous by Wolves and volleyball legend Chase Budinger, Jake Layman was the only player who signed a multi-year deal with the Wolves during the 2019 offseason.

Given a three-year, $11.5 million contract, the Wolves viewed Layman as a rotation forward that could both stretch the floor and provide reliable minutes on defense because of his experience in Vanterpool’s defense in Portland.

Layman’s new contract can largely be attributed to a strong first half of the 2018-19 season.

Starting the first 19 games of the season for the Trail Blazers, Layman averaged 35 percent on threes and was in the 82nd percentile for amount of shots taken at the rim. However, Layman ended the season on a cold streak, finishing with season averages of 7.6 points per game and 33 percent on 3-point attempts.

Through seven games of the 2019-2020 season, the 25-year-old has rewarded the Wolves’ faith in him, showing that he could be a solid contributor on a playoff team. In those seven games, Layman has averaged what would be a career-high of 8.9 points per game while nailing 35 percent of his 3.7 3-point attempts per game.

Layman’s ability to hit threes has been critical for the Wolves, as they have run various types of action to give Layman open looks after coming off of screens.

In this clip, Layman comes off an initial pin-down from Vonleh for a quick give-and-go with Napier before jogging over to the other side of the key. Following a quick screen for Napier, Vonleh sets another screen for Layman to cut back across the top of the key for an easy pass from Napier with plenty of room for the wide open 3.

Layman’s ability to smoothly get off threes coming off of screens, along with his ability to cut off ball and drive with the ball, make him an excellent complementary piece for Towns.

Although Treveon Graham has started every game except for one, it would not be a surprise to see Layman starting or playing clutch minutes in the future.

The versatility Layman brings on offense, as well as the size and quickness he provides to disrupt opponents on defense demonstrate why the Wolves will be desperate for him to continue his career year if they have any shot at a playoff spot.