Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 players that improved their value – Jaylen Nowell
Jaylen Nowell was one of the worst players in the NBA last season. In 2019-20, a season riddled by disappointment (as well as a Karl-Anthony Towns injury), the team was among the worst in the league.
Still, Nowell was unable to find minutes.
This year, however, Nowell has been much, much improved. After looking like a player that could have been waived following a disappointing season, Nowell has proven he is an NBA rotational player, averaging 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists on 44/35/84 splits during the 34 game stretch he received consistent minutes (pre-injury).
Nowell has played himself into the conversation to possibly become the sixth man this coming season. Additionally, Nowell/Towns minutes are 2.3 points per 100 possessions better than the average Timberwolves offense.
Jaylen Nowell is just one season removed from averaging less than 20-percent from three in very, very limited minutes.
Most NBA players make the biggest leap of their careers from their second to third season, and Nowell could very well progress even further in his game. If he is able to improve as a defender (on and off ball) as well as add some playmaking to his game, Nowell could become a very good bench player – something that would be incredible given just how poor he was as a rookie.
Other players that have improved their overall value this season include Jarred Vanderbilt and Naz Reid, who have both had special flashes.
Vanderbilt, a pending restricted free agent, probably won’t be back in Minnesota, especially if they are able to keep their draft pick – as issues persist while the Timberwolves are close to the luxury tax line. It is just impossible to validify the Wolves paying extra money for a roster that is unproven – especially since they are not in a larger market.