Timberwolves’ Bench Trio Shines: A Deep Dive into Minnesota’s Dominant Second Unit
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ bench unit has been a force to be reckoned with this season, led by the impressive trio of Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Dante DiVincenzo. Despite individual ups and downs, their collective impact on the court has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Sum is Better than the Parts When it Comes to Wolves’ Bench Mob
Alexander-Walker has been the standout performer, exceeding expectations and delivering more than anyone else on the roster relative to his role. Reid, while experiencing a slightly rockier start compared to last season’s Sixth Man of the Year campaign, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end. DiVincenzo, on the other hand, has struggled to replicate his success from last year with the Knicks, falling short of expectations in terms of three-point shooting and overall production.
However, when these three players share the court, the results are outstanding. According to Cleaning the Glass, lineups featuring Reid, Alexander-Walker, and DiVincenzo are in the 95th percentile league-wide, boasting a plus-12.8 net rating across 800 possessions. Their defensive prowess is particularly noteworthy, ranking in the 98th percentile and allowing just 102.1 points per 100 possessions.
The most effective lineup featuring this trio includes Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert, posting an impressive plus-29.7 net rating in 174 possessions. This unit excels on both ends of the floor, ranking in the 66th percentile offensively and the 97th percentile defensively.
Josh Minott’s Impact and a Plea for More Minott Minutes
Another player making waves is Josh Minott, whose limited minutes have yielded impressive results. Lineups featuring Minott have performed at a 96th percentile rate, with a plus-13.4 net rating. His versatility, athleticism, and energy have drawn comparisons to Kyle Anderson’s role from last season, albeit with a more athletic twist.
Minott’s ability to contribute in various ways, from offensive rebounding to perimeter defense, makes a strong case for increased playing time. His presence on the court could provide the Timberwolves with the connective tissue and Swiss Army knife-like qualities (we miss you, SloMo) that have been missing at times this season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ rotation dynamics, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
• Preview of the upcoming Timberwolves vs. Rockets game
• Analysis of the Houston Rockets’ recent performance and strengths
• Discussion on potential lineup adjustments for the Timberwolves
