Second-round pick Keita Bates-Diop has formally signed a contract with the Timberwolves, according to the NBA’s official transactions log. Terms of the deal aren’t yet known.
A forward out of Ohio State, Bates-Diop was viewed as a potential first-round pick in 2018’s draft, but slipped all the way to No. 48, where the Wolves snagged him. The former Buckeye standout was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2017/18, averaging 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.6 BPG with a .480/.359/.794 shooting line.
Tom Thibodeau and the Timberwolves don’t typically rely on their bench too heavily, and Bates-Diop may not be ready to contribute right away, so his role figures to be limited during his rookie season. However, he projects as a potential stretch four at the NBA level.
The Wolves are using a portion of their mid-level exception on Anthony Tolliver, but still have plenty of that exception available if they want to use it to lock up Bates-Diop. Without the MLE, Minnesota would only be able to offer a two-year deal, likely at the minimum.
Idk why they even drafted anyone. Thibs only plays his bench if someone gets injured due to overplaying.
What a waste. Bates-Diop is going to be a keeper.
If Wiggins puts it together, Towns gets used right, and Thibs uses his Bench they would be much better this year than last but it still won’t amount to much better playoff results. I think they should get something for Butler now rather than watching him walk for nothing next year.