Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Expectations for the Minnesota Timberwolves incoming role players

By Charles Post

Troy Brown, Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Troy Brown, Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the Minnesota Timberwolves are preparing for a highly-anticipated campaign that could see the franchise return to the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Several notable newcomers are set to make a major impact off the bench including F Troy Brown Jr, G Shake Milton, and rookie F Leonard Miller.

To get a grasp of how each player might fit on the Timberwolves roster, let’s take a closer look at what these players will add to the rotation as they hope to carve out a role in their first season for the Timberwolves.

Troy Brown Jr. has the ability to play multiple positions and that versatility will make him a valuable piece behind starting SG Anthony Edwards and SF Jaden McDaniels. Coming off the Los Angeles Lakers bench a year ago, Brown shot a career-best 38.1 percent from 3-point range, while playing 24.5 minutes per game in 45 starts and 76 games. The Timberwolves were hoping to add defensive depth and quality shooting during the offseason and Brown should bring just that.

Expectations for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ incoming role players

Shake Milton is known for his dynamic scoring punch and will likely see consistent minutes in the backcourt. The former Philadelphia 76ers guard averaged 8.4 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game on 47.9 percent shooting from the field last season before inking a two-year deal with the Timberwolves in June 2023.

In order to remain in the rotation throughout the season, Milton will have to compete on both ends of the floor at a high level and provide a consistent scoring boost off the bench.

During a pair of preseason wins, Milton showed off his prowess with a couple of double-digit scoring performances including 12 points and six assists in 20 minutes against the New York Knicks last weekend. Brown compiled 13 points, two rebounds, and two steals to help the Timberwolves remain unbeaten in the preseason with a 138-111 win over Maccabi Ra’Anana on Tuesday. Both players should get a chance to make a contribution this season.

Timberwolves rookie Leonard Miller continues to impress in preseason

Leonard Miller flashed impressive potential in the summer league and that carried into the preseason with multiple positive showings. The Timberwolves rookie forward racked up 22 points and a game-high 15 rebounds (a very impressive Double-Double) to go with two assists and two steals on 10 of 14 shooting from the field against Maccabi Ra’anana this week.

It’s hard to tell how many minutes Miller will receive at the beginning of the regular season but he should be able to become an impact player at some point in his rookie campaign.

There are lofty expectations for Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch’s team this year and it will be important to have improved production from the reserves as Brown and Milton add defensive versatility and scoring, while Miller aims to make an impression with his aggressiveness and energy.

The Timberwolves are scheduled to wrap up the preseason against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night before opening the regular season at the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, October 25.

Why not check out some more Minnesota Timberwolves articles to catch you up?

Home/Timberwolves News