For as important as high-usage stars are to NBA success, having guys who can thrive off the ball is equally important. Amid discussions about the Minnesota Timberwolves' need for a power forward, the importance of off-ball players can't be lost. And for Timberwolves' lead executive Tim Connelly, the value of such players is clear.
During an appearance on The Jon Krawczynski Show, Connelly was asked about the Wolves' power forward hole. He noted that the Timberwolves are talking to some free agents who could be intriguing while emphasizing the value of being able to do more with less. Â
"We are going to have a lot of volume guys. Jaden is going to have more volume; LaMelo and Ant are going to have a lot of volume; Ayo is going to have a huge volume. So what we need is guys who can do more with less. We are talking to one or two free agents right now who could be intriguing," Connelly said. Â
When looking at intriguing forward options who can thrive off the ball, one name stands out to me: Georges Niang. Yes, Jonathan Kuminga has been linked to the Timberwolves, but in terms of finding a low-volume player, he doesn't fit the bill.Â
If the Timberwolves are committed to finding a player who fills this need of an off-ball player who can contribute some positive minutes, Niang clearly stands out as the best option on the open market.
Why Georges Niang would be an ideal fit with the Timberwolves
Niang missed all of last season with a foot injury, but throughout his career he has been an impactful role player. In his last healthy season, Niang averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while netting 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers.
The number one reason why Niang thrives off the ball is his shooting. Throughout his career, Niang has shot a dependable 39.9 percent from beyond the arc, a skill that allows him to play off stars. Notably, in the 2024-25 season, 92.3 percent of his made field goals were assisted. Adding another consistent spot-up threat who doesn't require a self-creation burden alongside LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards would be logical. Furthermore, Niang is a smart player who moves off the ball and is willing to make the extra pass.
On the other side of the floor, Niang is a sturdy defender and rebounder. As such, he could be a genuine solution to the Wolves' power forward woes. Niang could either be a low-usage fifth starter or a high-quality bench player who earns 15 to 20 minutes a night. He may not be the Wolves' permanent power forward option, but he'd surely ease some concerns about the position group.Â
Finding a player like this nearly two months into free agency should be seen as a massive win.Â
Signing Niang feels like a no-brainer in contrast to the other forward options. Kuminga would be an awesome upside swing, but who knows how much money he's willing to sacrifice, and the usage concerns are relevant.Â
Beyond Kuminga, there are mostly veterans like Kevin Love, Kelly Olynyk, and Jeff Green in free agency. Signing a veteran like this would mainly fill a leadership void, rather than an on-court one.Â
If the Timberwolves want to empower their young guys and go small, I don't think signing one of these players is a bad idea. Regardless, signing Niang would give the Timberwolves a quality rotation player at a position of need who can thrive off the ball, which, established, is something they appear to be putting at a premium.
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