The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot of solid and seasoned veteran experience to win now, in the 2023-24 NBA season. But over time, the Timberwolves will need to plan for the exodus of those veterans and promote younger players on the roster. After all, the potential of NBA Draft picks, and even rookie basketball players, must become production on the basketball court someday.
That is not as easy as it sounds. The Timberwolves expect to be perennial participants in future NBA Playoffs, and rightfully so. Without arguably their best player entering the 2022-23 NBA season for 53 games, the Timberwolves still managed to earn a berth in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs.
But that was just the start. The Timberwolves continue to invest in young and talented basketball players who could become NBA stars in their careers, and help the Timberwolves to continue the tradition of challenging the best teams in the league in post-season competition. Like who? Here are five players whose futures are very bright indeed.
Starting at point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves: Matteo Spagnolo
Age in 2028: 25
Comparison: Beno Udrih
Right now, Italian point guard Matteo Spagnolo is still developing his basketball skills while competing in the Euroleague. Having just turned 20 years of age, this 6-foot-6 196-pound point guard continues to refine his skillset and define his role on the basketball court.
He still needs work on his perimeter shot. His ability to distribute the basketball remains a work in progress, but he can score, defend, and facilitate. The best part of it all is that he will be available to join the Minnesota Timberwolves roster to start the 2024-24 NBA season.
He may not jump out at you with his NBA-ready performances, but he is a hidden gem for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ future. The best part of it all is that he is a solid counterpart for the future Timberwolves backcourt tandem. He has the ability to morph into whatever the team needs him to become.
And with one more year playing in the Euroleague, he will almost certainly place the finishing touches to his arsenal of shots and defensive moves that will make him all the more worthy of a starting role for the Timberwolves lineup in five years.