On Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that they’ve waived PJ Dozier, a utility player who is related to former Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis.
A one-time All-Star who played alongside the likes of Larry Bird, Lewis passed away at the age of 27 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest. It was one of the saddest moments in team history. Dozier wasn’t even born yet but that hasn’t stop him from honoring his memory, which he’s done by wearing Lewis’s No. 35 jersey.
Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, Former Family Member Of Former Celtics Star Reggie Lewis
Due to their kinship, one has to wonder if the Celtics would have interest in signing Dozier. He hasn’t had a steady role in the NBA since 2021-22, when he was averaging 18.9 minutes per game with the Denver Nuggets. However, at 28 years old, he’s still in his athletic prime. More importantly, he’s a multipurpose two-way playmaker who can play 1-3.
That makes him valuable as a depth piece, especially for a team that employs players like Jrue Holiday. Holiday is a world away from Dozier in terms of his talent level and experience. Nonetheless, he’s often asked to guard multiple positions and serve as the glue offensively. When Holiday is out like he’s been the last week, Dozier’s skillset could help them keep chugging along.
With that in mind, the Timberwolves’ decision to release Dozier is a confusing one. For all the criticism they endure, Minnesota ranks fourth in opponent’s points per game (107.1) and sixth in defensive rating (109.0), so a player like Dozier would appear to fit their mentality. Furthermore, the Timberwolves offense is much better when the ball is popping, so Dozier’s ability to be a connector seems like it should be meaningful.
That being said, Minnesota’s rotation is so tight that even players like 2024 No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham and veteran sharpshooter Joe Ingles haven’t gotten much playing time. 2023 No. 33 pick Leonard Miller, who has been tearing it up in the G League, has played two total minutes this season. With the Timberwolves trying to grow the chemistry between their existing core and the two key players they traded for this offseason —Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo —they’ve developed tunnel vision.
A Familiar Face Returns?
The Timberwolves may have decided to waive Dozier before his $2.6 million contract became fully guaranteed.
Whatever the reason, they now have an open roster spot. With that, they can shore up their offense, which has averaged just 109.2 points per game this season (23rd in the NBA). There may not be a free agent available that’ll make them a top-10 scoring offense. However, they could at least add a reliable off-ball shooter, which they’re sorely missing on the perimeter.
If they do, veterans like Lonnie Walker IV and TJ Warren are both shooting at 40.0 percent from three in their respective leagues. Walker has an NBA buyout clause that will remain open until Feb. 18. Warren signed a series of contracts with the Timberwolves in March to finish out the 2023-24 season. Patrick Beverley, known for his dogged defense, is another potential addition. The 36-year-old guard started 54 games for Minnesota in 2021-22.
