Minnesota Timberwolves: Matt Costello stands out in NBA Summer League
The Minnesota Timberwolves only had two drafted players on their entire NBA Summer League roster, but the most impressive performance came from an undrafted center with a knack for hitting the glass, Matt Costello.
Matt Costello is a 6’9″, 245-pound center who came out of Michigan State in the 2016 NBA Draft. Undrafted out of MSU, Costello has had two NBA Summer League stints. This year he started off with the Orlando Magic. In three lackluster games, he averaged 5.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
But then Costello started the Las Vegas Summer League with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He immediately played like someone who was trying to earn an NBA roster spot.
Las Vegas Summer League
Costello is the all-time leader in blocked shots for MSU, and he brought that ability with him to Las Vegas, averaging 1.3 blocks per game with Minnesota. But the most impressive thing during Costello’s hot streak was his string of three straight double-doubles, including back-to-back games with 15 rebounds.
In Summer League, he used his size and length (7’1″ wingspan) to box out defenders and secure the rebound at an impressive rate. On an undersized roster, Costello grabbed 24.3 percent of the total rebounds when he was on the floor.
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Costello carried over his reputation as tough rebounder from the NBA G-League (formerly Development League), but his overall effectiveness on offense was shocking.
Costello was an advanced stats darling during Summer League. He had an offensive rating of 135.8 and a defensive rating of 84.7. He has been showing just how well lineups can perform with him on the floor.
The T-Wolves’ roster is thin at the 4-spot. Only Taj Gibson and unproven stretch-4 Nemanja Bjelica hold down that rotation now. Costello would be the perfect backup power forward for Thibodeau. He is a tough-minded throwback big man.
Costello’s biggest game featured 14 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks against the Warriors. While dealing with former first round pick Damian Jones and Summer League standout Jordan Bell, he showed no signs of being afraid of contact in the paint.
He knows how to use his wide frame to his advantage to out-rebound more athletic counterparts. Wedge rebounding is the process of forcing your man underneath the basket to take him out of rebounding position. This is Costello’s go-to move, and it was the main reason for his 3.3 offensive rebounds per game.
If Costello can continue to use his skill around the basket to contend with uber-athletic bigs, he will find his way onto an NBA roster. His main advantage is that players who can post a high rebounding percentage are very valuable in today’s three-point attempt heavy game.
How Costello projects at the NBA level in 2018:
Costello projects as an average rim-protector and great rebounder, but only a below average pick-and-roll finisher. That is because of his lack of athleticism.
Minnesota would be smart to offer a two-way contract to him. He could end up being a solid piece for a team that features several high-usage rate players. On offense and defense, Costello’s only disadvantage is his height.
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But the fact that he is such a gamer will give him an opportunity, as long as he continues to bring tenacity on the glass. I believe being able to play the 4 in big lineups, and the 5 in small-ball lineups will make Costello stick in the NBA G-League before he ultimately capitalizes on an NBA opportunity.