The “Searching for the Ceiling” series will examine Timberwolves young players one at a time analyzing what their best case outcome could be as they continue to develop in the league. Each player’s “ceiling” will be compared to a current veteran in the league, and if they reach the level of that current player they will have reached what I believe to be their best case outcome. Each Timberwolves player will have “ceiling” comparison on offense and on defense. The first installment in the series was about Jaylen Nowell. Next up we have 2nd year center Naz Reid.

The 2020–21 season has been a frustrating journey for the Timberwolves as they have struggled through injuries, illness, suspension, and a coaching change. As a fan, it has been difficult to get a sense for what really needs to be done to blast the team out of the league’s cellar because until recently they have not been able to play with a consistent lineup or scheme. Since the All Star break however, things have began to take shape. The Wolves are still struggling through injuries, but the playing style and core pieces have become solidified. Because of this, it is fair to start drawing conclusions regarding the team’s most important players moving forward, and how the front office can maximize the current players in their personnel decisions.

What a difference a year makes. The 2020 NBA trade deadline was a flurry of action as Gersson Rosas and his front office razed the Wolves sinking roster and brought in nearly an entire new roster. With that precedent set in his first deadline, fans expected at least some moves in 2021, but the deadline has quietly passed by the Wolves with no moves made. And for a team with a 10–34 record, that is just fine.

The “Searching for the Ceiling” series will examine Timberwolves young players one at a time analyzing what their best case outcome could be as they continue to develop in the league. Each player’s “ceiling” will be a current veteran in the league, and if they reach the level of that current player they will have reached what I believe to be their best case outcome. Each Timberwolves player will have “ceiling” comparison on offense and on defense. First up in the series is bench spark plug and microwave scorer, Jaylen Nowell.

A complete drubbing by the Charlotte Hornets mercifully sent the Wolves into the All Star break. After the Hornets played carelessly and sloppily in the first half, they tightened the screws in the second half en route to a mauling of the undermanned and lifeless Wolves. If it was not already clear to the front office, everything needs to be on the table for the Wolves to clear a path forward.

Leandro Bolmaro, a 6’7 Argentinian guard/forward who can handle, pass, and plays with tremendous flair, was drafted by Minnesota with the 23rd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Bolmaro was selected with the intention of stashing him in Europe to develop without using an NBA roster spot.