Who gets more Timberwolves PF minutes? KAT, Slo-Mo, Minott, or other?
By Bret Stuter
Begging for minutes: Josh Minott/Matt Ryan
Being at the bottom rung of the ladder for the power forward rotation is not exactly an ideal situation for Josh Minott. The only player in an even more precarious spot on the Timberwolves roster in terms of rotating in for playing minutes for the power forward role is Two-Way Contract, Matt Ryan.
In two preseason games, PF Josh Minott did get 28 minutes, scoring four points, hauling in seven rebounds, dishing out four assists, and blocking one shot. While that is not exactly screaming ‘play me,’ category of statistics, it is a solid foundation to build upon this season. Minott could get some duty in those last four to six minutes at the end of decided games where Coach Finch needs reserve players to clean up and close out the game.
The Timberwolves also got 21 minutes out of PF Matt Ryan, who failed to score but did get three rebounds and three assists from the young forward.
Iowa Wolves will play a huge role for Minott and Ryan
I expect that both Minott and Ryan will pull double duty this season, playing minor roles for the Timberwolves in late-game appearances, but commuting to the G-League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, to get significant playing time and significant roles as either a starter or in a rotational support role.
Both Minott and Ryan will need to improve their ability to score, manufacture shots, and drop a solid perimeter basket. The Timberwolves will also keep a keen eye trained on either player to see if they have the ability to rebound and defend, as both skill sets are in high demand on the Timberwolves roster this season.
If the Timberwolves do nothing by the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, then the power-forward spot on the team could be all Karl-Anthony Towns. But if the team does make a move at the deadline, all eyes will turn to see not only how KAT fares but how the Timberwolves will manage at the 4 without him.
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