The Minnesota Timberwolves can’t rely on the 2024 NBA Draft to take the next step forward as a franchise. More than likely, it’ll take a splash trade, the Timberwolves at least remodeling their Twin Tower lineup. However, there are incremental moves that Minnesota can make with an eye on fortifying their roster.
Timberwolves Sniffing Out High-Scoring Prospects
Monte Morris Replacement?
On Monday, the Timberwolves brought UC Santa Barbara guard Ajay Mitchell in for a closer look.
The @Timberwolves are hosting a draft workout today with the following prospects:
Melvin Ajinca (France)
Jalen Bridges (Baylor)
Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State)
Ajay Mitchell (UC Santa Barbara)
Jonathan Mogbo (San Francisco)
Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) June 3, 2024
Mitchell would be a terrific pickup for the Timberwolves.
At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, he’s a solid passer, better defender, and splendid scorer. It’s the last trait, obviously, that makes him a smart target for Minnesota. Quick, shifty, instinctive, and downright skilled, he excels at putting the ball in the basket. However, his upside as a two-way playmaker makes him an even more viable rotation piece, especially as the Timberwolves are at their best when they’re playing tough and disciplined.
In 2023-24, Mitchell averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from 3. It was his second consecutive season averaging at least 16 points, four assists, and one steal per game on 50.0 percent shooting from the field.
With Monte Morris hitting free agency this offseason, Mitchell can legitimately be his replacement.
Big or Small?
On Tuesday, Colorado guard KJ Simpson and Akron forward Enrique Freeman were in for a predraft workout.
The @Timberwolves are hosting a draft workout today with the following prospects:
Sy Chatman (Buffalo)
Enrique Freeman (Akron)
Pelle Larsson (Arizona)
KJ Simpson (Colorado)
Justin Webster (UNLV)
Moses Wood (Washington)— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) June 4, 2024
Simpson has also had predraft workouts with the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic.
This is notable not only because the Timberwolves may have real competition for him, but because if two other playoff-contenders are looking at him, there must be good reason. In Simpson’s case, there are 19.7 of them; the number of points the three-level scorer averaged in 2023-24.
The 2024 MAC Player of the Year, Freeman averaged 18.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in 2023-24. It was his second straight season averaging a double-double and fourth consecutive season averaging at least one block per game. A four-time MAC All-Defensive selection, it may seem strange he’s being praised for his offense.
Nonetheless, Freeman is an inside-outside scorer with an NBA-ready body. His physical profile and skillset don’t exactly matchup, as he’s 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds. However, because he’s so good at what he does well, it almost doesn’t matter. His soft touch, graceful footwork, and solid strength allowed him to score 1.09 points per possession in 2023-24 (91st percentile).
Both Simpson and Freeman’s ceilings will largely be determined by whether they can keep up their efficiency from beyond the arc.
