Timberwolves sign Gonzaga legend to contract

The Minnesota Timberwolves are starting to look like one of the NBA’s most exciting teams with potential trades mentioned to explore ahead of training camp and roster moves still being made. Coach Chris Finch has brought in a bevy of unselfish players including a former Gonzaga legend, Drew Timme, who learned a lot with the Lakers last season.

Timme, a mainstay on several of the Zags’ best teams in recent memory, signed a deal with the Timberwolves according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, which will allow him to compete for a position with the team in training camp.

“The Minnesota Timberwolves and Drew Timme have agreed to a deal, league sources told Hoops Hype,” Scotto wrote. “Timme will compete for a spot in training camp. The former Gonzaga star has averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in two NBA seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Timme, known for his crafty finishes and passing during his days with Mark Few’s college program, cracked the Lakers’ rotation last year and had the opportunity to learn from one of the best at his small forward position, Luka Doncic. He appears to be a strong fit for Finch’s team as Edwards and new addition LaMelo Ball have the ability to thrive in a team-first environment.

Highlights of Timme shaking loose and scoring on backdoor cuts are familiar to college basketball fans as he did it throughout his career in Spokane, Washington. He has shown flashes of those same abilities at the NBA level and could rediscover them alongside pass-first players like Ball. Timme doesn’t appear to have what it takes to become an NBA star like he was in college, but he has the basketball IQ and skills to make an impact.

The Timberwolves will give him every opportunity to show he can do just that as training camp gets underway in Minnesota.