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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 draft prospects to upgrade Wolves’ shooting

By Tyler Metcalf

AMES, IA - DECEMBER 8: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on December 8, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 76-66 over the Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - DECEMBER 8: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on December 8, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 76-66 over the Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
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5 draft prospects to upgrade Minnesota Timberwolves’ shooting: Tyrese Haliburton

Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton made a substantial jump in his level of play between his freshman and sophomore seasons.

As the lead guard for Iowa State, Haliburton displayed his dynamic playmaking, versatile defense, and lights out shooting as he scored 1.095 points per possession (PPP) on all jump shots (86th percentile), per Synergy.

Haliburton is one of the most well-rounded guards in this draft, but since we’re focusing on filling the need for shooting for the Timberwolves, that’s all we’ll examine.

Initially, drafting a point guard after trading for D’Angelo Russell seems odd. Given Haliburton’s size and shooting ability, though, he is more than capable of playing as an off-guard. When Haliburton was in spot-up situations this season, he scored an exorbitant 1.431 PPP (99th percentile) and 1.493 PPP in catch-and-shoot cases (98th percentile).

After shooting just under 42 percent on almost six threes per game with absurd efficiency, Haliburton’s shooting has become underrated. This disregard has stemmed from his unorthodox shooting mechanics. His low release push shot makes it easier for defenders to contest as Haliburton scored just 0.684 PPP on jumper shots off the dribble (35th percentile).

While there is some validity to these concerns, the outright dismissal has gotten out of hand. With a team consisting of Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns, and even Malik Beasley, Haliburton would not be expected to create his shot frequently. Instead, he would be allowed to find open spaces to launch from when he wasn’t creating for others.

As we can see in that series of clips, Haliburton doesn’t need a lot of room to punish the defense. He has an unlimited range and a quick release. When Towns inevitably gets doubled in the post or the defense overcommits to the Russell/Towns pick-and-roll, having Haliburton open as the safety net shooter would help take the Timberwolves’ offense to new heights.

Before even factoring in Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and defense, his shooting alone makes him one of the most enticing prospects for the Timberwolves to target in the 2020 NBA Draft.