The offseason moves do not look to be over for the Minnesota Timberwolves as they continue to look to add another player to their front court. The latest player they have some interest in is Hassan Whiteside, who reportedly will work out for the team at some point this week. A previous report suggested the Timberwolves sent a scout to watch Whiteside play last week, so apparently they are intrigued enough to want to take a closer look at him.
Whiteside was drafted in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, but has only played 19 games over his two seasons due in part to knee and ankle issues and going back and forth to the D-League. He has played 25 games in the D-League over the past two seasons, averaging 5.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. The Kings waived him in July to clear a roster spot for newly signed guard Aaron Brooks, but due to his raw potential, he has drawn some reported interest from multiple teams over the course of the summer.
Whiteside did block 15 shots in 109 minutes played for the Kings last season, and at 7’0″ tall with a 7’7″ wingspan, he could give the Timberwolves a shot blocking presence that they still don’t have. He is only 23 years old, and the chance to work with Minnesota assistant coach Jack Sikma should benefit him on both ends of the floor as he tries to turn his physical tools into on-court production and impact.
If nothing else, signing Whiteside would be a low-cost, high-upside move for the Timberwolves as they continue to supplement their roster. Sometimes those are the type of moves that lead to significant team improvement if they work out, and since Minnesota is not able to offer significant money right now to any available free agent, taking a chance on raw prospects like Whiteside is about all they can do.
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