4 Things Joe Ingles will bring to the Timberwolves in 2024-25

Following the departure of Kyle Anderson, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Joe Ingles to a one-year, $3.3 million deal. With a tight cap situation, the Wolves needed to make additions on the margins, and Ingles is certainly an intriguing acquisition. His unique skillset could prove value to the Wolves next season, but what version of Joe Ingles can Minnesota expect in 2024-25?

A Shooting Upgrade

In his healthiest season since 2019-20, Ingles shot the ball very well in Orlando, posting 43.5% from three in 2023-24. Partially a result of playing just 17.2 minutes per game in Orlando, his three point shooting volume was essentially cut in half from his previous season in Milwaukee, where he averaged 22.7 minutes per game.

However, as a 41% career three-point shooter, Ingles should be able to maintain his shooting percentage in Minnesota if his attempts/minutes increase. Given the Wolves have a big need for shooters, it’s easy to envision how Ingles’ shooting ability could earn him a bigger role in Minnesota than Orlando. 

Playmaking Ability

Off the bench in Orlando, Ingles averaged an efficient 3.0 assists in his 17.2 minutes per game, making him fifth in the league in assist ratio (assists per 100 possessions) last season. The ability to facilitate will be huge for the second unit, especially with the departures of initiators like Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris, and Jordan McLaughlin.

Having previously played with Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert in Utah, he’ll likely bring some synergy to help bridge the gap between the first and second units.

A Downgrade on Defense

At age 36, Ingles’ defense isn’t what it used to be. His last three seasons, he’s posted defensive ratings of 112.9, 113.5, and 113.8. However, with the number of wing defenders the Wolves plan to have this season, Ingles’ defense shouldn’t be detrimental to a second unit that desperately needs more scoring options. While he can be known for the occasional steal (0.9 per game in his career), Ingles’ primary contributions will come on offense. 

Experience

The departures of Kyle Anderson, Jordan McLaughlin, and Monte Morris will open up a combined 48.2 minutes per game in next season's rotation. It’s likely that Chris Finch’s staff, a staff that tends to lean on veterans, will need to rely on young, inexperienced players more than ever to fill those minutes, including the likes of Rob Dillingham, Terrance Shannon, Leonard Miller, or Josh Minott.

Amidst the uncertainty of attempting to add young players to the rotation, it’ll be important to have the stability of a crafty veteran like Joe Ingles. It’s tough to know what the team will get out of rookies and inexperienced players, but the Wolves have a very good idea of what they’ll be getting out of Ingles in 2024-25.