Minnesota Timberwolves sign star who claims he has learned ‘peak form of basketball’

Freeman will take the lessons he learned from his Pacers stint

As a player on a two-way contract with the Pacers, Freeman got to practice with some fantastic teammates. He was on the roster that embarked on a magical run to the NBA Finals. That was a valuable experience for a rookie, especially since he worked with great veterans.

One of the veterans that stood out to Freeman was T.J. McConnell. The diminutive guard became a household name during the Playoffs, but he showed his leadership. As a rookie who barely dipped his toe in the water, Freeman felt he learned a lot from the Pacers during his year there.

“One thing I learned is just the IQ of that game, the high level. It’s the peak form of basketball,” Freeman said to RG Media.

“So I learned IQ, what it takes, and fighting all the way ’til the very end. That’s what I learned. Never give up.”

“I’m grateful because I’ve done a lot, I’ve played well, I’ve been to the NBA Finals my first year. So I’m just grateful for the year, really. TJ McConnell, he told me, ‘Just be grateful.’ I think that’s why I said that word.”

How Freeman can play for the Timberwolves

Now that Freeman is playing for the Timberwolves, he will be on another two-way contract. Head coach Chris Finch loves having hard-working players, so Freeman can work his way to a spot in the rotation. It will be challenging because of Terrence Shannon Jr.’s rise in the rotation.

Shannon is the perfect player to replace Alexander-Walker due to his explosive athleticism. Jaylen Clark also earned some minutes with his energy and solid defense. The wing position is strong, especially with Donte DiVincenzo still serving as the primary backup.

Freeman is not going to be the first choice, but Finch is always open to new ideas. If he sees that Freeman is good enough in practice, that could be the key to getting a bigger role. That might even open new doors for a full-time contract, but in the meantime, he is on a two-way deal.

Playing for the Iowa Wolves will be a chance for Freeman to shine. He showed he is a strong player during the 2025 NBA Summer League. With that kind of momentum, the future is bright for Freeman, as he will work hard to get more opportunities.