In case you hadn’t noticed, the Minnesota Timberwolves have improved their overall 3-point shooting capability significantly over the past few weeks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves were a bottom-five 3-point shooting team for much of the season, even while having the greatest 3-point shooting center ever in Karl Anthony Towns.
However, president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and the Timberwolves made a flurry of moves at the trade deadline that have completely changed that outlook.
While the win-loss record since the moves isn’t exactly stellar, it’s worth noting that Towns and D’Angelo Russell have only shared the court for one game. It sure looks as though they’ve added a their own version of Golden State’s Splash Brothers in Russell and Malik Beasley, who are each shooting the ball lights out since their acquisition.
Even while missing Towns, the Wolves have been able to find enough floor spacing. Here’s a look at how the old Wolves compare to the new look Wolves from long-range.
Here are the 3-point shooting percentages from the jettisoned Wolves:
- Gorgui Dieng – 38.3 percent on 2.6 attempts per game
- Jeff Teague – 37.9 percent on 2.6 shots.
- Robert Covington – 34.6 percent on 6.5 shots
- Andrew Wiggins – 33.1 percent on 6.5 shots
- Keita Bates-Diop – 33 percent on 2.5 shots
- Shabazz Napier – 29.6 percent on 4.4 shots
Through Friday’s loss to Orlando, here are the 3-point shooting percentages from the new Wolves who have played significant minutes:
- Juancho Hernangomez – 48.6 percent on 4.6 attempts per game
- Malik Beasley – 40.8 percent on 9.5 shots
- D’Angelo Russell – 40.7 percent on 9.8 shots
- Jordan McLaughlin (was with the Wolves previously but has broke out with the new crew)- 40.6 percent on 2.7 shots
- James Johnson – 30.8 percent on 3.3 shots
The lead 3-point shot-takers that are no longer on the roster Andrew Wiggins, Robert Covington, and Shabazz Napier were all below league average. The lead shooters are now D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Juancho Hernangomez, and they are all over 40 percent, which is elite territory. And remember, KAT is shooting 41.2 percent from deep this season!
Another huge boost that helps to contribute to this is upgraded point guard play going from a platoon of Jeff Teague, Napier, Jarrett Culver, and Wiggins to Russell’s superb playmaking and McLaughlin’s steady hand. (Fun fact: McLaughlin is tied with former Wolf Tyus Jones for second in assist-to-turnover ratio and Tyus has the single-season record for the stat.)
The playmaking and more Wolves willing to make the extra pass has enabled for more clean/open shots and if not, the Wolves can just give the rock to Russell and he makes things happen.
The dramatic change for the team has been a pleasant surprise and fun experience as a fan. Once KAT comes back, the Wolves will have potential to be special, and in large thanks to their new-found spacing.