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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: Devin Vassell

Minnesota Timberwolves, Devin Vassell
Devin Vassell #24 of the Florida State Seminoles. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Devin Vassell

As the most well-rounded 3-and-D wing in the 2020 NBA Draft, Devin Vassell is a player who should be extremely high on the Timberwolves’ draft board. The team defense, length, and versatility of Vassell are enticing, but his off-ball shooting sets him apart from the other aspiring 3-and-D wings in this draft.

Vassell is the epitome of a role player. That may seem like a slight, but in fact, is an extraordinary compliment. Only a handful of players ever truly become stars, and even fewer become a star on a championship-winning team. In so many cases, the role players are the ones who end up pushing a good team over the top to be a great one.

It is unlikely that Vassell will develop into a lights-out scorer who takes defenders off the dribble at will, but at the least, he will be an incredibly useful off-ball scorer who plays excellent team defense.

After his freshman season at Florida State, Vassell saw a massive increase in responsibility as his games started increased from zero to 30, and his minutes jumped from 10.7 to 28.8. This increased role often leads to players losing efficiency due to more attempts. Vassell remained an efficient shooter as he continued to shoot just under 42 percent from three on almost double the attempts from the previous season.

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Vassell is at his most effective when he is working away from the ball on offense. This season he scored 1.4 PPP (95th percentile) when running off screens, 1.039 PPP (80th percentile) when spotting up, and 1.22 PPP (87th percentile) when shooting off the catch.

Here we see how Vassell continues to move without the ball and find the perimeter’s open space. After giving up the ball, Vassell does an excellent job of clearing out to create a lane for his teammate. He could have easily stayed put on the elbow. Instead, he rotates to the corner once his teammate cuts baseline and the defense collapses on the drive.

This movement is subtle, but it gives him a more comfortable shot and, more importantly, gives his teammate a more accessible pass.

Devin Vassell’s off-ball awareness, activity, and efficiency make him an excellent fit for a Timberwolves offense that is continuously looking for the open man on the perimeter.