Ranking each Timberwolves player on the roster by importance
By Will Eudy
12. Austin Rivers
Another new addition to the Timberwolves, Austin Rivers will bring veteran leadership and high-IQ ball-handler skills to the team.
Entering his 11th NBA season, Rivers has appeared in 60 career playoff games. As such, his impact on the team will manifest itself in the locker room just as much as it does on the court.
His scoring ability isn’t quite what it used to be, as he averaged just six points per game with the Denver Nuggets last season. However, his point guard skills and knowledge of the game aren’t beaten by many.
11. Taurean Prince
Like Nathan Knight, Taurean Prince will also enter his second season with the Timberwolves. In 2021-22, he contributed 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in a meager 17 minutes per contest.
If his production from last season can be replicated, he’ll be in good position to see the floor more often. It’s also notable that he’s been an efficient scorer in Minnesota, shooting 45% from the field last year.
Prince won’t be in the closing lineup for the Timberwolves, but his ability as an off-ball cutter and energy player make him increasingly valuable.
10. Jordan McLaughlin
Coming off the bench to back up D’Angelo Russell, Jordan McLaughlin is in a very good spot. Not only is he serviceable as a ball-handler, but his play in the postseason last year likely has him in position to see the floor more often.
After putting up 6.2 points (close to double his regular season average) and 3.4 assists against the Grizzlies in round one of the playoffs, McLaughlin showed he can be relied on in a pinch. Not to mention he also shot an absurd 71% from the field.
When members of the starting lineup are out or having a rough night, the Timberwolves will be happy to have McLaughlin hopping off the bench to give them a boost.