Detroit Pistons vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 2019-20 season preview
Timberwolves offseason changes
Like the Pistons, Minnesota’s core remains unchanged with Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Covington returning. They also have Teague back and will need him to remain healthy.
Minnesota moved up to No. 6 in the 2019 NBA Draft to select Jarrett Culver out of Texas Tech. He’s a rangy wing with defensive versatility, like Covington, and can run in transition and slash to the basket. He’s not a bad 3-point shooter but will need to hit at a consistent rate, dropping from 38.2 percent in his freshman season to 30.4 percent last season.
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He was very impressive last year, leading the Red Raiders to the Final Four, conveniently played in the Twin Cities. After rumors that pegged Darius Garland as the man Minnesota wanted, the Cleveland Cavaliers took him in what may have been a bluff to let Culver slip to sixth overall. Regardless, Culver is their guy.
With little salary cap space, the Timberwolves made the most of it, signing Jake Layman, Shabazz Napier and Noah Vonleh for $7.4 million combined. Rookie Naz Reid is on a two-way contract but was impressive during Summer League, making him a candidate to see playing time at center should they move Gorgui Dieng‘s contract.
Napier will replace hometown product Tyus Jones, who is with the Grizzlies, as the backup point guard. Layman is a gritty player that gets after it on the glass and the defensive end. Vonleh provides versatility in the frontcourt with the ability to play all three positions if he needs to.