Timberwolves preseason report cards: DiVincenzo proves seamless fit, Minott shines

The Minnesota Timberwolves finished the preseason with a 2-3 record. Following two impressive victories, the Wolves lost three consecutive affairs. While the record is less than stellar, it's luckily no indication of how Minnesota will fare come the regular season.

The Timberwolves saw most of their starters suit up for only three games. Furthermore, one of Minnesota's newest additions, Julius Randle, appeared in one contest. The preseason offered more of a glimpse into the fringes of the rotation. Several players understood the assignment and made a case for increased playing time. However, others struggled to cement their place in the rotation.

Considering the abundance of playing time to go around, we've graded each Timberwolves player's performance in the preseason. From Anthony Edwards to Jesse Edwards, every Wolf who appeared in at least one game will be graded below.

Grading every Timberwolves' player performance

Nickeil Alexander-Walker: C-

Nickeil Alexander-Walker suited up for four games and played a similar role to a season ago. The Canadian wing played the part of a 3-and-D specialist. He attempted 7.0 field goals per game, with over half coming from beyond the arc.

While his defense always seems to be frenetic, his cold shooting has carried over from last season's Western Conference Finals, where he shot 28.6 percent from the floor and 18.7 percent from beyond the arc against Dallas. Alexander-Walker only connected on 25.0 percent of his looks from three-point range this preseason. An improved shooting split would equate to a better grade.

Keita Bates-Diop: C

Former Minnesota second-rounder Keita Bates-Diop appeared in two of five games and totaled 10 points. After returning to Minneapolis as a throw-in in the KAT-for-Randle swap, Bates-Diop faced an uphill battle to earn a roster spot.

Unfortunately for the 6-foot-8 forward, he wasn't granted much of an opportunity to surpass his competitors, Leonard Miller and PJ Dozier. Both the previously mentioned forwards appeared in double the games of Bates-Diop. However, Keita knocked down 50.0 percent of his triples—better than Miller and Dozier.

Jaylen Clark: B-

Graded as a D+ prior to Minnesota's final preseason contest, Jaylen Clark chipped in 11 points and four rebounds against the Denver Nuggets. The former Bruin drained 5-of-8 field goals and made one of his three three-point attempts. Where Clark made the biggest difference was his defense. He's fantastic both on and off the ball. Jaylen recorded four steals and ranked second on the team in plus/minus.

If Clark strung together multiple impressive performances, he'd likely receive an A-grade. He averaged only 1.7 points after his first three appearances. Nevertheless, when Clark received an extended opportunity, he displayed his promising potential.

Mike Conley: C+

37-year-old Mike Conley only appeared in three preseason games and totaled just over 39 minutes of floor time. At this point in his career, there's no reason for Conley to suit up for an extended period in the NBA's exhibition season. The 17-year veteran averaged a mere 4.3 points per game in limited action.

Rob Dillingham: B-

Conversely, the preseason is a fantastic learning experience for the 19-year-old rookie Rob Dillingham. As Conley's heir, Dillingham will ease into the Timberwolves' lineup. The preseason granted the former Kentucky star the ability to run the offense without meaningful games at stake.

Across five games, Dillingham averaged 9.0 points and a team-high 5.0 assists per game. Despite the inefficient shooting percentages (33.3 percent from the floor), Rob only turned the ball over five times in nearly 100 minutes. Dillingham's shot-making and advanced handle were evident during the preseason. The former Wildcat begins his NBA career as advertised coming out of college.

Donte DiVincenzo: B+

One of the newest Timberwolves, Donte DiVincenzo proved to be a seamless fit in four preseason appearances. The former Knick averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. DiVincenzo also knocked down 2.5 three-pointers at a 38.5 percent clip.

Although Randle's salary and accolades made him the pseudo-centerpiece of the Towns mega trade, DiVincenzo might be the most valuable piece. The 27-year-old is an invaluable floor spacer, and while he's typically lined up at shooting guard, Donte looked more than comfortably piloting Minnesota's offense in the preseason.

PJ Dozier: D+

PJ Dozier appeared in four of five games and averaged 3.3 points in 10.8 minutes per game. Despite not outperforming Bates-Diop in the exhibition season, it appears the 6-foot-6 forward will make the initial 15-man roster. Perhaps Minnesota feels Dozier provides more versatility as a two-way wing capable of putting the ball on the deck, but if that's the case, he didn't show much in the preseason.

Anthony Edwards: B

Although Anthony Edwards is over 10 years younger than Conley, he falls into the same category as his elder counterpart. There's no reason to evaluate the young superstar's play. Edwards is an incredible talent who averaged 21.0 points in 26.9 minutes per game across three preseason appearances.

Jesse Edwards: C

One of the more nondescript players on the roster, Jesse Edwards, held his own in the preseason. The 7-foot big man scored 16 points over two appearances. He's especially adept at using his size and brute force to draw fouls. Edwards shot nine free throws and made six. The West Virginia product's best game came against the Nuggets where he scored 14 points and corralled four boards.

Luka Garza: A+

Luka Garza is a force to be reckoned with. In only 19.0 minutes per game, Garza averaged 16.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The 25-year-old big man made 61.7 percent of his field goal attempts and 44.4 percent of his three-point attempts.

The former Iowa Hawkeye star has made a case for a rotational spot despite the Timberwolves' loaded frontcourt. If Garza's preseason performance was any indication, his vast offensive repertoire will carry over against stiffer competition. The 7-footer's game is a unique mix of throwback big and modern stretch four.

Rudy Gobert: B+

Olympic silver medalist Rudy Gobert played his usual role in the three preseason games he appeared in. Gobert averaged 8.0 points and hauled in 9.7 rebounds per game. The Frenchman's best game came against the Chicago Bulls—he scored 13 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. The only disappoint from Gobert's preseason performance was that he failed to tally a block.

Joe Ingles: D+

The Australian wing appeared in four games and shot only three-pointers. Joe Ingles averaged 3.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. The preseason isn't a place for Ingles to impress—especially at his age (37 years old). The coaching staff knows what Ingles brings to the table and his so-so performance won't do much to alter his standing in the rotation.

Jaden McDaniels: B

Fifth-year forward Jaden McDaniels played great in two games and below average in his other two. McDaniels' best performance occurred against the Philadelphia 76ers. The former Washington Husky connected on 6-of-8 field goals on his way to 17 points. What was most impressive was McDaniels' shooting. He drilled 5-of-8 three-point attempts.

Leonard Miller: C-

Leonard Miller's preseason didn't go as expected. He played in four of five contests and averaged only 12.3 minutes per game. Prior to the preseason finale, Miller's performance would have graded out as a D. However, the former G-League Ignite star dropped 13 points and eight rebounds in the closing game.

Miller's performance ushers some disappointment following a strong Summer League. The 6-foot-10 forward surely had a chance to earn regular season minutes, but his so-so preseason has put a damper on a possible rotation role. Of his four appearances, he scored more than four points once.

Josh Minott: A

Third-year pro Josh Minott has been by far and away the most improved Timberwolf. After a stellar Summer League, Minott's progression oozed into more significant basketball. The athletic forward played in all five preseason games and averaged 13.0 points per game—fourth most on the team.

Aside from Minott's scoring contributions, he added 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. The 21-year-old forward is a superb athlete who demonstrated an improved shooting stroke this preseason. Minott cashed in on 8-of-16 attempts from deep. His off-ball movement is already impressive, but an added spot-up three-point stroke all but guarantees regular season minutes.

Eugene Omoruyi: C

The Timberwolves released Eugene Omoruyi following the preseason finale. Making the 15-man roster was a tall task for the 27-year-old. Nonetheless, Omoruyi has proved he has the talent to hang around in the NBA. Watch for the former Wizard to sign a two-way contract with another squad.

Daishen Nix: B+

The preseason offered Daishen Nix the opportunity to seize a rotational role in the backcourt. In limited action, the 6-foot-4 guard did his best to make another strong impression. Nix averaged 7.0 points in only 12.6 minutes per game.

While his per-minute splits are nothing to gawk at, Nix's statistics appear even better when a minimum is placed on his playing time. In the two games where Nix played double-digit minutes, he averaged 13.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Nix looked the part on both offense and defense.

Julius Randle: B+

Julius Randle only appeared in one preseason game. Despite the loss in Chicago, Randle played quite well. He displayed his point-forward capabilities, regularly attacking the rim and hitting open teammates. Randle scored 15 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out five assists.

Naz Reid: B

Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid came to the preseason with guns blazing. Reid launched 10.0 field goals per game across his three appearances. The big man averaged only 18.4 minutes, but that didn't stop him from scoring. Reid dropped 19 and 15 points in his final two games before sitting out the rest of the preseason with a shoulder ailment.

Terrence Shannon Jr.: C

27th-overall pick Terrence Shannon Jr. was one of four players to appear in all five preseason games. The athletic wing proved to be physically ready, yet his efficiency held back his overall grade. Shannon shot 33.3 percent from the floor and failed to make a three-pointer (0-of-10).

Despite the subpar shooting percentages, Shannon's athleticism and tenacity are evident. He threw down one of the best dunks of the preseason and got to the rim with relative ease.