How can Timberwolves’ #45 overall pick Josh Minott get playing time?

Playing time

So, how might this rookie earn valuable playing time, you ask?

First,  he will need to play the game with the same intensity he showed in the 2022-23 NBA Summer League. That itself will be no easy task, as he will be put to the test against experienced veterans.

Secondly, he will need to endure OJT or on-the-job training. Of course, there will be growing pains. That’s how it goes, though. Young players do not come into the league fully charged, but go through the tedious balancing act between making mistakes and learning from those mistakes.  With each correction, adjustment, or lesson, he inches that much closer to earning playing time in the NBA.

Rookie Josh Minott has the potential to be the steal of the draft. But his potential is valueless until it becomes reality. To do that, he must further develop his offensive skills and become more consistent.

Per his NBA collegiate profile, the forward biggest issue is his jump shooting. He averaged just 0.6 points per jump shot which ended up in the 11th percentile.

The three-ball is one of the most effective shots in the league, giving teams the ability to stretch the floor. Minott may find himself on the bench if he cannot knock down a reliable three-point shot. He showed flashes of hitting his long-range shot in summer league.

Defensively you stay on the court by staying out of foul trouble; Minott averaged less than two fouls per game. There is some inexperience on the defensive end, but that will correct itself as he gets more playing time. Expect the game to slow down from his perspective as he learns to process and react quicker.

As preseason slowly approaches, Josh Minott may be transferred over to increase his valuable playing time in the G-League.  There, he will get the chance to expand his offensive skills and advance his defensive game. But that is likely an option as a last resort. He has shown the courage and confidence to hold his own on any basketball court.

Clearly, the Timberwolves are all in on Josh Minott to grow into an NBA rotational player. If Minott can reach his full potential, there is no limit to the playing time he can earn.