The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Jaylen Nowell with the 43rd overall pick in 2019. The 6-foot-4 wing had a solid four-year tenure with the Wolves. However, Nowell is now signing with the Shanxi Loongs, a team in the Chinese Basketball Association. Notably, this squad featured former NBA players, including Brandon Goodwin, Harry Giles, and Hamidou Diallo, this past season. Nowell hopes to get his career back on track in China after floating between the NBA and G League for the past two seasons.
Nowell was a solid contributor to the Wolves
In his four seasons with the Wolves, Nowell averaged 17 minutes, 9.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Including a career season in 2022-23, where he averaged 10.8 points in 19.3 minutes per game. Notably, he played on two playoff teams alongside Anthony Edwards. Nowell is a quality defender, scorer, and playmaker. However, Nowell's lack of 3-point shooting undoubtedly hurt his career as he only converted 31.6 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. After his rock-solid 2022-23 season, the Wolves opted not to re-sign Nowell.
Still, Nowell's well-rounded skill set made him a solid contributor to the Wolves. This could help Nowell eventually get his career back on track despite going overseas. Even looking at the Wolves' current roster, they could use a player like Nowell, especially with Nickeil Alexander-Walker's free agency. Several other teams across the league could use a player like Nowell as well.
Nowell hasn't played much in the NBA since his Wolves tenure
Since then, Nowell has only appeared in 21 games for three teams, the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, and most recently the New Orleans Pelicans this past season. In eight games with the Pelicans, Nowell averaged 8.4 points in 21 minutes per game during an early-season stint.
Additionally, Nowell played in the G League for the Stockton Kings in the 2023-24 season and the Capital City Go-Go this past season. Nowell averaged over 20 points in two seasons with the G League. He also shot over 40 percent from 3-point land in the G League, which is a highly encouraging sign.
Jaylen Nowell was on a HEATER! He recorded a career-high in scoring and threes made while posting his fourth 30+ point performance of the season. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/6y2uB92ZI6
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 5, 2025
It's curious why Nowell didn't get an opportunity with the Wizards or Pelicans, given that those teams are rebuilding as well as his impressive NBA and G League play. Similarly, it's somewhat surprising that Nowell didn't test the market as a free agent and opted to go overseas immediately.
Ultimately, Nowell is yet another example of how competitive the NBA is. After showing a ton of positive flashes as a young player, Nowell didn't get much opportunity. While Nowell is set to play overseas at 25, it's possible that he will eventually return to the NBA, especially since he's proven to be able to contribute.