Yes, the Minnesota Timberwolves still have one open roster spot, and one unused Two-Way contract to dangle under the nose of a new prospective player. So what is the hold-up? Well, perhaps the Timberwolves front office wanted to use some vacation time. But here we are, with the 2023-24 NBA season rapidly approaching, and the team appears to have stagnated. At least, in terms of any Timberwolves free agency signings.
Rather than sit and fret, we think we are obligated to shake the Timberwolves roster loose by proposing a prospect to the Timberwolves roster.
Background
Point guard D.J. Carton showed plenty of grit for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023 NBA Summer League. He played in five games and started two. He certainly made an impression on me, as he made my list of NBA summer league prospects to consider for a spot on the Timberwolves roster. So let’s dive a bit deeper into why he deserves consideration.
What I don’t like about this player
A point guard is a role that inherits a ton of responsibility, and that can play havoc with the team and the player if he is not ready for prime time. Carton has played two years in the NBA G-League. Is he truly ready for a shot on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster?
What I like about this player
Carton certainly had his senses about him for the Timberwolves summer league as he led the team in assists (6.8 APG), as well as an accomplished pickpocket (2.0 SPG). And that aligns perfectly with his steady but measurable growth and development in the G League. Better yet, he has a year with the Minnesota Timberwolves G-League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. That means that he has familiarity with a number of players on the Timberwolves roster already.
What I love about this player
If you are going to target a young point guard, then the emphasis has to be on the facilitator quality of a point guard. D.J. Carton can dish ’em out. In fact, he led the Minnesota Timberwolves 2023 Summer League in assists by a large margin. And that is not all he does well. He also recorded 2.0 SPG, as well as 9.0 PPG.
While he may not be an established young NBA point guard yet, he most certainly could develop into one. Signing him now affords him that chance to learn from veteran PG Mike Conley Jr.
Final Verdict: Sign to the roster? Sign to final Two-Way contract? Pass altogether?
Take a chance. Sign him to a standard NBA contract. I don’t think that the Timberwolves will regret doing so.