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Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 bold predictions for this offseason

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 31: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends against Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Target Center on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 102-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 31: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks defends against Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Target Center on March 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Knicks 102-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Jaylen Nowell
Jaylen Nowell of the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves: Bold Predictions – Jaylen Nowell becomes the eventual 6th-man

Jaylen Nowell took a notable step forward this season, averaging nine points, two rebounds, and two assists. In terms of shooting splits, he also drastically improved, scoring at clips of 42/34/81.

As a rookie, things were really, really tough for Nowell. He only appeared in 15 total games, shooting less than 15-percent from three in those games. Nowell is basically doubling his minutes per appearance this season and has been impressive as a scorer when he’s been on the floor.

Typically, most (good) NBA players make the biggest leap in their career during their third NBA season. Nowell, a known (and proven, at the college level) shooter, has yet to really find his consistency at the NBA level.

Nowell has the potential to become a bonafide sixth-man – and showed in quality minutes this season what was possible.

In the 19 games which Nowell played between 20 and 29 minutes, he averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists on shooting splits of 49/41/86 – dramatically better than his typical averages.

It’s never a bad thing to have too many shooters, and his play could make someone such as Malik Beasley even more expendable this offseason, especially if Gersson Rosas and Chris Finch are able to foresee such a development in his game.

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