Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from the 2018 offseason
By Derek Hryn
3. Okogie and Bates-Diop could potentially work into the rotation
As the Timberwolves struggle to figure out what the next big move is, they should be able to find playing time for their two freshly-signed young talents — seeing as how the draft may very well have been their only positive time of the summer.
The team signed No. 20 overall pick Josh Okogie (two years, $4.69 million) and No. 48 overall pick Keita Bates-Diop (two years, $2.26 million) at the beginning of this month.
Each prospect provided some NBA-level flashes on their college teams, but they finally received some serious recognition in their games at NBA Summer League — especially Bates-Diop.
In five games played, KBD averaged 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, making the statement that it was foolish letting him fall to the second round. The Ohio St. product should have a realistic shot at some valuable minutes next season with no clear-cut 3-man on the roster after Jimmy Butler.
Okogie may have a more difficult time with both Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins capable of playing the 2, but he could see some minutes as well.