Minnesota Timberwolves: 2016 Offseason Grades
Adding Aldrich
In one of this summer’s more underrated signings of good players you probably didn’t realize were actually good, the Timberwolves added former Los Angeles Clippers backup Cole Aldrich to a three-year, $22 million deal (with the last year being non-guaranteed).
That may seem like a lot for a guy most known for this unforgettably bad hook shot with the New York Knicks, but Aldrich quietly had a solid season off the bench for the Clippers last season, averaging 5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in a meager 13.3 minutes per game.
Cole Aldrich was great in his press conference. Even popped his fake tooth out to show he's gritty enough for Thibs.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 14, 2016
For a Wolves team that hasn’t been able to rely on Nikola Pekovic‘s broken body in years and may be saying goodbye to Kevin Garnett soon, Aldrich brings shot-blocking and efficient finishing ability around the basket (59.6 percent from the field last year) to the table.
This signing doesn’t exactly nudge Minnesota into the playoff picture, but for a young frontcourt that may need a more experienced touch off the bench some nights, Aldrich fits the bill as a serviceable backup center.
Grade: B
Next: Hello Hill