Minnesota Timberwolves already serious about this dynamo’s future
By Bret Stuter
If you had any doubts about Minnesota Timberwolves rookie forward/center Leonard Miller, I believe that it’s safe to say that the Timberwolves love the guy already. And why not? He stands 6-foot-10, weighs 210 pounds, has the height of an NBA center, the energy level of the Tasmanian Devil, the handling skills of an airport’s baggage handler, and the moves like Mick Jagger.
He carried a projected Round 1 in his draft profile and already is being touted as an amazing Steal of the Draft by many who are opening their eyes and realizing his ultimate ceiling in the NBA may be far higher than originally estimated.
We loved him instantly and shared that enthusiasm in our draft night analysis after he was selected. Then, after we had a chance to sleep on it and collect our thoughts on the Minnesota Timberwolves draft class of 2023, we shared our thoughts in a follow-up article.
What about the Wolves salary cap?
The Timberwolves had some wiggle room in regard to the type of contract offered to their rookie. If money talks, and bullshit walks, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of positive things to say about rookie forward Leonard Miller:
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed No. 33 overall pick Leonard Miller to a four-year, $8.3 million deal, league sources told @hoopshype. The first two years of the deal are fully guaranteed, the third year is 50 percent guaranteed, and the fourth year is a team option.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 11, 2023
So the Timberwolves leaned a little heavier into their purse with Miller’s contract than some may have expected. Since the Timberwolves were up against some significant salary cap limits, there was a belief that Miller would sign a minimum salary contract. But the Timberwolves found the funds to do a bit better, and still leave room for signing one more player:
With the Leonard Miller signature, here's a look at the #Timberwolves current cap situation.
— Tim Garrison (@TimGarrisonMN) July 10, 2023
1 roster spot remains & 2.6m remains to sign a vet minimum player & remain under the luxury tax.
A #NBASummerLeague standout like Brandon Williams could be an option on that two-way. pic.twitter.com/N63eqyeg1p
So now the question is, who will be the 15th player on the Timberwolves roster? While we debate and assess the NBA 2K24 Summer League top performers for that answer, let’s recap what Miller means to this Minnesota Timberwolves team.
S/L Stats: 27.2 MPG | 18.0 PPG | 50.0 3P% | 8.0 RPG | 2.0 APG | 2.5 SPG | 0.5 BPG
Of course, NBA 2K24 Summer League play is not the same as the regular season, but that can be said about every competitor right now. Nor is it fair to hold that against a 19-year-old rookie who exhibits so much drive and passion for the game.
It’s clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves believe that Leonard Miller has significant upside, and I believe that they are correct. He has the skill set to slide into any and all positions on the basketball court and deliver competent play.
Oh I am very intrigued by Leonard Miller. If the shot is going to keep growing.. pic.twitter.com/6nPdfA1E52
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) July 11, 2023
And more and more NBA analysts are sitting up and taking notice.
Trending. What grades would you give these Minnesota Timberwolves players for Game 2 of Summer League play?. light
This could be a fun career to follow