What if . . .? Timberwolves Connelly saved the best from Class of 2022?
By Bret Stuter
Minott may be a steal of the draft
The NBA Summer League is a dress rehearsal of sorts, an event to draw in basketball fans and present them an opportunity to see the newly drafted rookies in action against other NBA hopefuls. It’s a point in time for optimism, celebration, and simply the joy of witnessing NBA-like basketball previews.
It’s a short open window into competitive hoops, and the first opportunity to gauge, compare, and yes, even overhype the best talent from the latest NBA Draft to be chosen to compete in the league. And some of the top players selected in the draft live up to the billing. Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren showed up and showed off, and played incredibly well.
Chet dropped 23 PTS on 78% from the field and set a Utah Summer League Record with 6 blocks in his Summer League debut!@ChetHolmgren: 23 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 6 BLK pic.twitter.com/zKEgSvLKOB
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2022
And then, on the other hand, there were players who were selected later in the NBA Draft. Those players were playing for more than headlines, as they were by no means assured of an NBA contract. One such player was the 45th overall selection of the 2022 NBA Draft, F Josh Minott out of Memphis. He was not guaranteed a full contract, but he certainly appeared worthy after comparing NBA Summer League debuts.
Fun Fact:
— Dunking With Wolves (@DunkingWolvesFS) July 9, 2022
2nd overall Chet Holmgren SL debut
23 pts, 7 RBs, 4 Ast, 6 Blks
45th overall Josh Minott SL debut
22 pts, 10 RBs, 3 Ast, 1 Blk
Tim Connelly still got it folks pic.twitter.com/fPAmakCAls
Minott earned a contract and will be a depth player in the front court for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022-23 NBA Season. A player who may have been tossed into the trade package was held back, auditioned, and appears to be far more valuable than his original draft selection. Well played.
Now let’s look further.