Zyon Pullin has been the highlight of the Minnesota Timberwolves' summer league. Through four games, Pullin has averaged 21.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Notably, he ranks eighth in points per game and second in assists per game among all summer league players.
Given that Pullin is currently on a two-way contract, his goal is to earn a standard deal. The Timberwolves have one summer league game left on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers, but it's fair to say that Pullin has shown enough to at least be considered for a standard contract.
Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Pullin accomplishing this goal could be easier with another team. Now, the Wolves do have two open roster spots. Regardless, they are just $3.9 million below the second tax apron and have a glaring need for a power forward. As such, the more likely outcome is that they sign a forward and keep their final roster spot open.
Hopefully, one of the 29 other teams doesn't pounce on the chance to add Pullin, who showcased his upside as a quality backup guard.
Zyon Pullin could be a weapon for the Timberwolves
Pullin's ability to operate as a classic floor general, paired with his silky-smooth scoring, could get him onto an NBA court. Furthermore, he's a pesky defender with great instincts as a rebounder.
After years of needing a point guard, the Wolves' major need has shifted to the forward spot. Considering this, losing Pullin wouldn't be totally devastating. Still, he projects to be a fantastic third or "emergency" guard.
Whether he's on a standard or two-way contract, Pullin showed enough in summer league for the Wolves (or another team) to feel comfortable playing him in situational minutes. With LaMelo Ball's injury history, having a guard like this is particularly valuable.
The Timberwolves have done a tremendous job of finding "hidden gem players" like Pullin. Of course, Naz Reid is the most famous example of this. Pullin might never reach the same heights that Reid has, but he could very well become the Timberwolves' next hidden gem who carves out a rotational role.
As one of the top performers in summer league, Pullin surely did enough to catch the eyes of other teams around the league, though. And as noted, their path to signing Pullin might actually be easier. Teams such as the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets all have open roster spots and a need for extra ball-handling.
While it's far from the biggest story of the Timberwolves' offseason, they'll be anxiously awaiting to see if a team signs him or if they can get away with keeping him on a two-way contract.
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