Will Timberwolves Jaylen Nowell step up permanently this year?

Nothing is more satisfying than the sudden and significant improvement of a young player on the roster. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, those huge signs of development can be lost amidst the shuffle of the oscillating and sometimes disappointing performances of so many NBA stars on this roster.  After all, it’s tough to notice a young star shining off the bench when two key starters combine for 6 of 27 from the floor, including 3 of 14 from three-point range.

It is only natural for the focus of fans to be drawn to the starters, which in turn makes positives from their young depth players appear to be nearly invisible.

The Timberwolves have needed players to step up all season. One such player who has been the focus of comments of Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been young shooting guard Jaylen Nowell, a young wing who is competing in his fourth season in the NBA. He is eager to earn more playing time, and due to the Timberwolves’ outbreak of injuries this season, his playing time and production have increased this season.

All according to the grand plan:

Now the question is, will this be a permanent improvement?

Jaylen Nowell got his swagger back

The truth of the matter is the simple fact that Jaylen Nowell is a young player who struggles to find a consistent role in his production. One night, he can come off the bench cold, struggling to score four points in 12 minutes of playing time. Other times, he can show up red hot, putting up 30 points, four rebounds, and six assists in just 29 minutes of playing time.

Nobody knows which version of Jaylen Nowell will show up, and that has created problems for both the player and the team. After all, it’s tough to plan a game if you don’t know whether one of your key rotational players will start hot or give next to nothing.

Of course, Nowell’s highs are getting better all the time, and he swears that he has gotten his swagger back. While he has certainly proven to be capable of filling up a team highlight reel, his erratic performance has made it difficult to depend upon him for more than a rotational role.

The Timberwolves have played 61 games, and have just 21 remaining to determine whether or not the team earns a berth in the NBA Playoffs. Jaylen Nowell could play a huge part in how the season plays out for the team. Of course, it would benefit Nowell as well, as he is a player who is working hard to attract interest for his next NBA contract. The Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be saturated for this coming off-season, with the team looking to extend Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, and Jaden McDaniels. There may not be enough water left in the well for Nowell, which at least one person believes could prove to be a mistake.

Will Timberwolves Jaylen Nowell step up permanently this year? If he does, he could pry his way into a handsome contract extension. If not, this could be his final season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.