3 candidates to replace Taurean Prince’s minutes for the Timberwolves
By Will Eudy
It was an action-filled first day of free agency for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Signing a total of three players, the Wolves are making good headway in improving their bench and adding more talent to the rotation as a whole.
Minnesota’s first move was re-signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, which should produce a huge sigh of relief from Timberwolves fans. NAW was crucial to the team’s run at the end of the 2022-23 season, and keeping him around on a cheap deal (2 years, $9 million) was an excellent outcome.
After that, the Wolves added Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton on small deals as well, making for a solid first day of free agency. The only downside is that they also lost a player. With Minnesota choosing not to guarantee Taurean Prince’s contract for the upcoming season, he decided to sign with the Lakers on a one-year deal.
Prince was a very valuable contributor in a three-and-D role off the Timberwolves’ bench last season, and his production will be missed. There are a few players on Minnesota’s roster that are prime candidates to replace his minutes.
These players are the top candidates to replace Taurean Prince’s minutes:
1. Troy Brown Jr.
The former Los Angeles Laker should immediately be in the mix for minutes in a role similar to what Taurean Prince provided. While in LA, Brown showed his value in his versatility and willingness to do the dirty work.
Still just 23 years old, Troy Brown already has five full NBA seasons under his belt, and he is only getting better. Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham described Brown as a “swiss army knife,” stating that he can do a little bit of everything when he is on the floor.
Brown’s numbers reflect this. His stats will not blow you away, but a line like he had against the Bulls in March of 18 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals show how he can put his fingerprints all over a game.
Next season, when the Timberwolves need a versatile defender who can knock down open shots and be otherwise useful in a multitude of ways, they will assuredly be looking at Troy Brown. His 38% shooting mark from three last year should allow him to see the floor early and often.