Timberwolves sign former first-rounder to 10-day contract

Dec 7, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics forward Justin Jackson
Dec 7, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Celtics forward Justin Jackson / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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One day before play resumes, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly signed veteran forward Justin Jackson to a 10-day contract. This move comes after shipping out multiple players in exchange for Detroit Pistons' guard Monte Morris.

This season, playing for the Dallas Mavericks' G-League affiliate Texas Legends, Jackson is averaging 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 19 appearances. The veteran forward has displayed advanced shotmaking, canning 46.3 of his field goals and 41.2 percent of his triples.

In his last stint in the NBA, Jackson averaged a mere 0.9 points per game in 23 appearances for the Boston Celtics. In limited action, the former first-round pick connected on just seven of 27 attempts.

Coming into the NBA, Jackson was labeled as a versatile scorer and shotmaker. Six years into his career, Jackson hasn't quite lived up to expectations. He's a career 42.3 shooter from the floor and an even worse 31.9 percent shooter from beyond the arc.

However, Jackson has consistently impressed in the G-League. Over 67 appearances in the G-League, the former North Carolina Tar Heel has connected on 39.0 percent of his 3-point attempts.

Perhaps yet another change of scenery is what Jackson needs to find success. He's played for six teams in his brief career but he's never spent more than two seasons with any organization. Jackson's most appearances came for the team that drafted him, the Sacramento Kings.

In Minnesota, it's unlikely the 27-year-old will get the opportunity to carve out an ample-sized role. But, he's one injury at the forward spot away from garnering consideration for extended minutes. After shipping out Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton, the Wolves are relatively thin on the wing.

Backing up Jaden McDaniels, the Wolves roster Kyle Anderson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Wendell Moore Jr., Josh Minnot, and Leonard Miller. The latter three have combined to play just 131 minutes this season.

The veteran offers the Timberwolves an experienced wing with shooting potential in case a rotation player goes down during the second half of the season.

Jackson's first chance to make an appearance will come Friday night when the Timberwolves take on the Milwaukee Bucks at 9:00 p.m. CT. Stay tuned as we'll continue to keep you updated on Jackson and the Wolves during the final stretch of the season.

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