The case for Nikola Vucevic to the Minnesota Timberwolves
The case for the Minnesota Timberwolves:
Part of the reason Minnesota’s offense functions so well is that it generates a ton of free throw attempts. Even with Taj Gibson on the floor, Thibodeau can space the floor with Karl-Anthony Towns spotting up on the perimeter.
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Often, games are decided when Thibodeau turns to his bench unit. This involves subbing in Gorgui Dieng and Jamal Crawford for Towns and Jimmy Butler, respectively. Units with Gibson and Dieng in the frontcourt can protect the rim and clean the glass. The issue comes on offense, where neither of the two are floor-spacers despite their efforts. Vucevic is shooting a career-high 4.1 3-point attempts per game and is knocking down 34 percent of those triples.
The new-look Timberwolves rotation from the Teague trade would have a bench unit of Jones, Crawford, Marcus Georges-Hunt, Hezonja, Dieng, Nemana Bjelica and Vucevic. Minutes would have to be cut down for Bjelicia, who is returning from injury and is taking it slow anyway. I want the T-Wolves to push the pace, but as Thibodeau seems intent on them grinding out games, it helps that Vucevic can play either style.
Minnesota’s reasoning for this trade is simple: bolstering their bench unit. Bjelicia is a knockdown shooter. Thibodeau could open up space for Bjelicia by posting up Vucevic. To establishing a rebounding advantage, Thibs could have Vucevic simply take Bjelicia’s spot as the stretch-4 off the bench. On defense Vucevic can drop back in pick-and-roll coverage. This move would provide a better alternative when KAT gets in early foul trouble.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft: End of 2017 edition
In Minnesota, Vucevic would have the potential to become the best sixth man in the league.