Finding 15: Timberwolves must consider this S/L PG to fill final roster spot

Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Yes, the Minnesota Timberwolves still have one open roster spot, and one unused Two-Way contract to dangle under the nose of prospective players. But those Timberwolves roster spots will not simply fill themselves. At some point, the Timberwolves front office will need to make a decision, make an offer, and hope for the best.

So how about we help point them in the right direction, shall we?

Background

Brandon Williams is a versatile point guard who competed for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023 NBA Summer League. He was one of the players who stood out for the Timberwolves, as he averaged 17.3 PPG and 3.4 APG.

What I don’t like about this player

The trouble with promoting a summer league player to the NBA level is the hit-or-miss quality of that player. And the challenge with adding a point guard is that there really is a much smaller margin for error. You see, a point guard cannot improve his craft by hitting the gym solo. So he must train with his teammates, and then demonstrate his progress on the basketball court. That means that the risk of underperforming is greater with an unproven player.

What I like about this player

He has previous NBA experience with the Portland Trail Blazers, and that does help a bit. In fact, he competed in 24 games with the Trail Blazers and started in 16 of those games. From that experience, I think it is safe to conclude that he will not step onto an NBA basketball court and freeze up.

What I love about this player

Brandon Williams has many ways to contribute to the Minnesota Timberwolves roster. That can mean all of the difference in the world. Standing 6-foot-2, he is an ideal height as a point guard to threaten to take the basketball to the hoop for a layup or pass out of traffic to an open shooter.  While his assists and distribution still need some work, his 12.9 points per game is an outstanding foundation to build upon.

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Final Verdict: Sign to the roster? Sign to final Two-Way contract? Pass altogether?

As much as I like Brandon Williams, a standard contract seems to be a bit premature at this point. But the third and final Two-Way contract seems to be just about right.