Timberwolves’ smart recent signing addresses a major weakness

There is no doubt the Minnesota Timberwolves are sorely lacking when it comes to the three-point shooting department. For the season, they rank 22nd in the NBA in three-pointers made and 27th in three-point percentage, at just 32.6%.

In an increasingly three-point driven league, such a poor success rate from outside is bound to carry negative results. It has certainly been one of the driving reasons why the Timberwolves continue to struggle to stay over the .500 mark.

And that makes their recent signing all the more noticeable. On Wednesday, Minnesota picked up the former Los Angeles Laker Matt Ryan, who had been a mainstay in the team’s rotation over the first several weeks of the season.

Matt Ryan will bring much-needed shooting to the Minnesota Timberwolves

The signing of Ryan comes just one week after he was waived by the Lakers. In an effort to free up roster spots in anticipation of a potential trade, Los Angeles let go of the sharpshooting undrafted guard.

In 12 games as a Laker, Ryan knocked down 13 threes on 37.1% efficiency. He was a steady producer for a squad that mostly struggled to win games leading up to his departure from the team.

His biggest moment came in a November 2 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, in which he knocked down a three-pointer at the fourth-quarter buzzer to tie the game and send it to overtime. The Lakers went on to win the contest. Now, Ryan will bring his sharpshooting prowess to Minnesota.

Joining the Timberwolves on a two-way contract, Ryan’s signing may not have a huge effect in the short-term. But his ability as a shooter will give him the chance to make a difference in Minnesota over the course of the season.

As the Timberwolves continue to struggle shooting the ball from outside, it is talents like Matt Ryan that may have their number called upon to provide a spark for the team in a pinch. In 2022, there is no better role player than a three-point shooter.

While Ryan’s signing is one that may have flown under the radar for many, do not be surprised to see him earn his way into the rotation and give this team a much-needed lift in outside shooting.