Kevin Garnett won’t be the only senior statesman for the Minnesota Timberwolves when they open shop this coming 2015-16 NBA season.
It was reported that the T-Wolves have enlisted the services of veteran point guard Andre Miller.
Miller, 39, is expected to bring his hardcourt smarts to the T-Wolves which is filled with young and promising players who are expected to step into the NBA limelight soon.
According to Bobby Marks, the one-year deal will see Miller earning $1.49 million. Of that amount however, only $947,000 will be an issue as far as the team’s salary cap is concerned.
It will be his 17th year playing in the NBA. Miller has been widely known for his ability to dish lob passes, something that young stars like Andrew Wiggins and rookie Karl-Anthony Towns are bound to benefit from.
He will most likely play behind Ricky Rubio and act as mentor as well to help the Spanish star guard hone his skills quarterbacking a youth-filled Minnesota quintet.
To his credit, Miller holds career averages of 12.8 points and 6.7 assists.
Numbers are not expected to be important with his one-year deal. Coach Flip Saunders is looking to him and Garnett to guide the young players moving forward.
Known as the Professor for his on-court smarts, Miller is expected to pass on his knowledge and provide tips to Rubio and the rest of the team’s guards in the same way he did with Ty Lawson when the latter was still in Denver.
Prior to signing, Miller has had stints with the Washington Wizards and the Sacramento Kings, called upon at times to provide order to the four other guys on the floor and create oppprtunities when the need arises.
Aside from Rubio, Miller is expected to teach incoming rookie Tyrus Jones as well. With Rubio’s durability still in question, Miller could step in or guide Jones in the coming season, whick would likely depend on what coach Saunders has in mind.
Zach LaVine is another player that stands to benefit from Miller’s passing prowess, someone who loves to throw the ball down hard when given the chance. That alone could result in electrifying moments knowing how athletic and explosive LaVine can be once needed.
With three seniors (the third one being Kevin Pelton) and a team full of young upstarts, the Timberwolves seem to have a good chance this coming season.
Hopefully the combination is what Minnesota is actually looking for as the team tries to make a serious run at the playoffs this coming season.