With training camp around the corner, the Timberwolves added two players to training camp deals on Wednesday. Guard CJ Fulton and forward Nate Santos were those two players, both going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Fulton was subsequently waived, but that allows the Iowa Wolves to hold his G League rights.
The same thing may occur for Santos, but the Timberwolves would love to have him at least in the G League, as he showcased a particular skill in college that could keep him on the NBA radar, not just for the Wolves, but all 30 teams. Santos proved to be a well-above-average shooter from three-point range.
Santos shined at Dayton particularly with his three-point accuracy
After spending two years at Pittsburgh where he received irregular playing time, Santos played the last two two with the Dayton Flyers. It was there where he established himself as someone who could continue playing the sport professionally, whether in the NBA, G League, or overseas.
The 6-foot-7 forward started all 67 of his appearances while with Dayton. Santos was named to the third team All Atlantic-10 in 2023-24 and the second team in 2024-25.
It was with Dayton that Santos displayed sharpshooter capabilities. In both years with them, he connected on 41.8% of his three-point tries. That’s a great improvement over the 19.8% clip he shot from beyond the arc at Pittsburgh.
In 11 outings in 2024-25, the 23-year-old made at least three three-pointers. Dayton went a combined 48-19 in Santos’ 2 years with them. They made the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and lost in the second round of the 2025 NIT.
Santos played Summer League this year with the Magic
Santos actually participated in July’s Summer League, playing for the Magic. That 3-point prowess wasn’t necessarily shown, as he shot just 2-11 from deep. Of course, it would be unfair to make any type of judgement off such a small sample size though.
Is Santos going to make his way onto the Timberwolves’ opening day roster? That would be the longest of long shots. Still, Santos will be a player to keep an eye on if he can be rostered by the Iowa Wolves as someone with a potential future in the NBA.