Minnesota Timberwolves: Checking in on Leandro Bolmaro

The Minnesota Timberwolves might have another good young player currently stashed in Europe in Leandro Bolmaro. A recent performance in the ACB Spanish league makes it an interesting decision in terms of how soon he will join the Timberwolves.

Bolmaro, currently on Barcelona’s main team, was selected to the ACB Best Young Players team this season. Bolmaro previously played for Barcelona’s B-team last season, before being selected with the 23rd overall pick by the Timberwolves in 2020.

FC Barcelona Basquet is currently 2nd in the ACB, and Bolmaro has had some very good perfomances this season. In the final game of the year (before the playoffs begin this Wednesday), Bolmaro scored 26 points, on 9-11 from the field, including four 3-pointers made. Bolmaro also tallied four assists, two steals, and zero turnovers in the 26 minutes he played.

Bolmaro is a pass-first wing player that has the ability to hit the open 3-point jumper. He is a solid athlete and looks to be another young player that Gersson Rosas has hit through the draft (added to Edwards, McDaniels).

Bolmaro very well could be signed to an NBA contract this coming offseason. His current deal with Barcelona lasts through 2023, although there is a buy-out option for NBA clubs (the Timberwolves are the only team that has the ability to sign him).

The Minnesota Timberwolves might not have a draft pick in this year’s draft, despite likely finishing among the three worst teams in the NBA. While there isn’t much that can be done about that, Bolmaro might be one of the few useful additions the team could have in 2021-22 – even if he does not get much play time initially.

Bolmaro’s performances in Europe have been promising – while his has been largely inconsistent – it’s important to remember that the basketball is largely different in Europe – the pace is slower, the game is more team-centric, and young players are given less opportunities to prove themselves.

The Timberwolves could have a core rotational piece waiting for them in Europe, and Gersson Rosas might attempt to bring Bolmaro over this coming offseason. That said, expectations should be tempered, although what Bolmaro is doing at Barcelona is very exciting.