Suddenly, Luka Garza and Matt Ryan flash for Timberwolves

Two of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ youngest players are C Luka Garza and forward Matt Ryan. While both are considered developmental projects for the future, they paid some dividends in a recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Better yet, they are the two players who had signed on with the team to Two-Way contracts with the team.

And then, the pair went out against the Denver Nuggets and doubled down on their ever-increasing value to the Minnesota Timberwolves roster.

Against the Bucks, the tall pair combined for 35 minutes of play and scored 26 points, seven rebounds, and one assist as the team tried to find the right combination of players in the absence of Rudy Gobert, who was unable to suit up with an illness.

Now for the Nuggets

But the pair was back on the basketball court to take on the Denver Nuggets just days later. In this one, they combined for 35 minutes of play again and scored 14 points, six rebounds, zero assists and one block as the Timberwolves upended the Denver Nuggets. The Timberwolves learned that D’Angelo Russell would not be able to suit up, forcing the Timberwolves to lean heavily upon younger players on their roster.

At some point, the expectation was that players would be returning to play by now. It’s early January 2023, and the Timberwolves roster has yet to welcome back PF Taurean Prince, or PG Jordan McLaughlin. In fact, as January 2023 progresses, the team should soon anticipate the return of PF/C Karl Anthony Towns as well.

Two promising talents on Timberwolves’ Two-Way contracts

It’s been hell for Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch to try and keep this team on track, particularly since the Timberwolves roster has been so unpredictable: Both with available players and with the performance of those players who have remained healthy.

Fans can fret about the lack of draft picks, but as long as the team continues to channel young talent in the pipeline to develop for the future of this team, isn’t that the same thing? Draft picks do nothing for the team short of reserving the chance to add young talent to this team.

Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to have two players who could take on larger roles with the team in the future, and they are on Two-Way contracts today. Tomorrow, they could be integral of the Timberwolves rotation.