Timberwolves SL: Do Josh Minott and Wendell Moore Jr. make the grade?

With two summer league games behind him, the question on many fans’ minds is: Has Minnesota Timberwolves rookie forward Josh Minott done enough to avoid a two-way contract?

The Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off the NBA Summer league vs. the Denver Nuggets on July 8th. Josh Minott powered the Wolves passed the Nuggets 85-78, The 6-foot-8 wing showed flashes of what he could potentially be in the NBA, finishing with a double-double in his Summer League debut with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Minott’s budding passing ability landed him three assists, while the strength of his defensive ability to get stops and chase down blocks secured him one block. It was a big jump from his college days, where Minott mostly played off the bench at Memphis, averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

The lengthy forward obviously has a knack for rebounding but has a limited offensive skill set. However, Minnesota’s player development coaches will be able to improve and develop his usable jump shot.

While Minott shined in his Summer League debut, game two differed significantly. Minott and the Timberwolves struggled against a gritty Memphis Grizzlies team, coming up short 71-63.

Offensively, Minott couldn’t get it going, finishing with seven points on two-of-nine shooting from the field. But defensively, he thrived, chasing down three blocks, two steals, and five rebounds.

One thing that stands out about Minott so far is his grit and ability to disrupt on the defensive end. These traits could come in handy if he ends up playing off the bench in the regular season, or earning a two-way contract. Minott has the potential to become a role player in the NBA. The Timberwolves want to improve defensively, and Minott could be a game-changer.

Can Moore grow into a reliable NBA starter?

The Timberwolves went 1-1 in their first two Summer League games, and Wendell Moore Jr. delivered 10 points and four rebounds in his SL debut. While Moore was a starter at Duke University, the NBA is an entirely different beast.

Moore’s performance resembled his game in college by bringing the ball up the court and running the offense. Although, he struggled in game two, shooting three-of-eleven from the field, one-of-eight from three-point range, grabbing four rebounds, and ultimately finishing with seven points.

With trade rumors still looming around guard D’Angelo Russell, Moore could find himself in the starting rotation if he can develop quickly. The Wolves drafted Moore in search of a playmaking guard to pair alongside Anthony Edwards. It’s not quite the start they wanted, but there is a long season ahead.

Minnesota returns to action Wednesday in a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.