Biggest winners and losers from Timberwolves preseason

Loser: Josh Minott

In the NBA, opportunity is the name of the game. It is hard to make a name for yourself or accomplish anything of significance without ample opportunity. For a while, the Timberwolves’ 2022 second-round pick Josh Minott was lacking the opportunity he needed to showcase his talent.

Now, the opportunity is here, but we are still yet to see Minott truly reach his potential. Much like Matt Ryan, the only instance where Minott truly put on a show in preseason was against Ra’Anana. However, that was in a competition against non-NBA players.

Minott’s 23 points, six assists and three blocks against the Israel-based team was a solid performance, but context is always important. The second-year wing out of the University of Memphis will not be facing competition of that level all year long in the NBA.

As such, it would appear he still has a ways to go before he has a chance of making it in this league. Minott did not register more than seven points in any preseason game besides the Ra’Anana contest, even going scoreless on October 5 against the Mavs.

There is still a world in which his quick feet and athleticism propel him to becoming the next Jarred Vanderbilt for Minnesota. But Wolves fans still have yet to see him put the pen to paper against real NBA competition.