Latest news with #MinnesotaTimberwolves
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Sixers star Jimmy Butler ranked 83rd-best player in NBA history
The Jimmy Butler experience in Philadelphia was a fleeting one for the 76ers and their fans. The Sixes acquired Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves early in the 2018-19 season and he provided some terrific moments before leaving for the Miami Heat in free agency. Butler averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 55 games for the Sixers before leaving for Miami and guiding the Heat to three trips to the Eastern Conference finals and two NBA finals appearances. He is now with the Golden State Warriors after things turned sour in Miami. Bleacher Report ranked the top 100 players in the history of the NBA and Butler came in ranked No. 83 on the list: Though the endings of the Jimmy Butler experience can be grating—just ask the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat—the beginnings and middle are mostly awesome. At the height of his powers, he is a two-way force who serves as a singular bridge between fringe title contention and borderline irrelevance. This was most evident during his time in Miami, where his ability to flip a postseason switch went mostly unrivaled. He dragged rosters that had no business making deep playoff pushes to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals in four years. The best version of Butler is anomalous in its completeness. He has long left much to be desired as a jump-shooter, but he can play the part of your top scorer, foul-drawer, passer and defender. Butler's time with the Sixers was short, but the future Hall of Famer did a lot of good things in Philadelphia and should be remembered fondly by fans. Things just didn't work out between the two sides and that happens at times.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rockets vs. Timberwolves, July 19: NBA summer league lineups, rosters, broadcast info
The Rockets (0-4) will wrap up 2025 NBA summer-league action with Saturday's difficult matchup against the unbeaten Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0). 2025 #NBASummerLeague roster for the @HoustonRockets Still in search of their first win, the Houston Rockets will wrap up a five-game schedule at the NBA's 2025 summer league when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon. Both teams will be playing their final summer-league game in the league's ongoing showcase at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion. With a win-now roster centered around star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets were always light on proven NBA talent for their summer-league roster — and that became even more pronounced when second-year guard Reed Sheppard was shut down after two games with a minor calf injury. Meanwhile, Minnesota's roster features more quality players with NBA pedigree such as Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Leonard Miller, Jaylen Clark, and Tristen Newton. With those types of prospects in featured roles, the Timberwolves are a perfect 4-0 in Las Vegas. For Saturday, here's our look at broadcast details and potential lineups. The Rockets did not have a first-round selection in the recent 2025 NBA draft, whereas Minnesota's squad also features Joan Beringer, the No. 17 overall selection. When and How to Watch Potential Starting Lineups Houston Rockets (0-4) Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0) Injury/Status Reports The NBA does not require official injury reports to be issued before summer league games, but Sheppard and two-way center N'Faly Dante (ankle sprain) are both expected to be out for the Rockets. For Minnesota, Shannon didn't play in the fourth game. Rockets, Timberwolves Complete Rosters 2025 NBA summer league rosters and statistics for all teams Summer League Coaches Rockets' 2025 Summer League Schedule, Results More: After two games, Rockets shutting down Reed Sheppard at 2025 NBA summer league The NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule for July 19-20:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota's Leonard Miller On His Summer League Improvements
Minnesota's Leonard Miller On His Summer League Improvements originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Leonard Miller has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves for two seasons, but he has barely played for the team. He has played a total of 30 regular-season games, and most of them have come in sporadic minutes. He is a promising player, as evidenced by his performance for the Iowa Wolves. Entering his third year, Miller wants more opportunities to shine. That is why he is performing to the best of his ability during the 2025 NBA Summer League, as it can help him gain a boost and catch the attention of head coach Chris Finch for the 2025-26 NBA season. Since he will be entering his third NBA season, Miller needs to have a big year. He is likely doing his best to contribute to the primary Timberwolves team, but he must impress the coaches enough to give him regular minutes. Due to his performances at the NBA Summer League, there is potential for him to keep contributing, considering he is only 21. At 6'10", Miller has the size to be either a small forward or a power forward. That could matter in the long run, as he could back up either Jaden McDaniels or Julius Randle. With his energy, defense, and offensive upside, Miller could be a good option for Finch if he gives the 21-year-old minutes. Miller Is Focused On Improving At NBA Summer League Due to the limited minutes he has played over the past two seasons, Miller has not showcased his talents. Thankfully, playing in the G-League and NBA Summer League are his opportunities to shine. He even became a G-League All-Star during the 2024-25 season, which proves he has legitimate talent. He is glad to have all the opportunities because he is working hard to prove himself. Defensively, he has shown massive improvements, and that has translated into victories for the Timberwolves at Summer League. "My defense, and so far this Summer League, I've showcased my versatility there," Miller said after a Summer League game. "Being able to guard different types of players, and I'm really happy with how far my defense has come." Aside from his defense, he has shown some strides as an offensive player. That is a good sign for the long-term future, as Miller could convince the Timberwolves to make him a mainstay in the rotation. Miller Is Due For An Opportunity For The Timberwolves With his performances at NBA Summer League, Miller has proven he could be a contributor to the main team during the regular season. He is a favorite among his teammates, so he is due for a shot. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham have earned their way to getting noticed, and Miller is similarly hungry for an opportunity. If he can convince the coaching staff to call his name, he will be prepared to help Anthony Edwards and the rest of the team get more wins. It is a make-or-break year for Miller, considering this is his third season with the Timberwolves. If he can impress everyone who decides for the Timberwolves, he could be a difference-maker that many people do not expect. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
CJ Fulton makes Irish NBA history in Vegas
Irish international point guard CJ Fulton made history on Wednesday night as he became the first Irish-developed player to play in the NBA Summer League, as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns to remain unbeaten (4-0). With 7:39 remaining in the first quarter, Fulton checked in and immediately looked at home on an NBA floor. Despite a turnover against the Phoenix Suns' aggressive defense, Fulton did not look out of place overall in just under four minutes of action, though he will likely want to be even more assertive with the ball in his hands if he sees more time on the floor. Speaking to Zone Coverage Minnesota, Fulton acknowledged the moment but expressed a hunger for more: 'It was definitely a cool moment for me checking into the game. Obviously proud to get here, proud of the achievement. "Wish I could have contributed a little bit more, but it was definitely a cool moment, cool experience.' Summer League coach Kevin Hanson also spoke to Zone Coverage, highlighting Fulton's efforts in training camp: 'Yeah, he was awesome in camp. I feel bad because basically he did not play the first three games and it is pretty hard to have any rhythm or feel for the team at that point. "We have had one practice since we have been here so I felt bad throwing him in there in that kind of circumstance, but it was good to put him in… he earned it, he was awesome in camp.' Summer League varies from team to team depending on developmental priorities. Minnesota have so far focused on Rob Dillingham, the eighth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Dillingham impressed again in the win over the Suns, scoring a game-high 23 points. The top four teams qualify for the semi-finals, while the remaining teams play one consolation game. The Timberwolves are currently among the top four, but their place will likely come down to point differential as five other teams can match their record with a win today. For Fulton, missing out on the semi-finals could be a blessing in disguise, potentially increasing his minutes if Dillingham is rested for the consolation games. Fulton is understood to have offers from top-tier European leagues already, but the NBA and G League dream is still alive in Vegas.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'A cool moment' - Fulton makes Timberwolves debut
CJ Fulton says it was a "cool moment" making his NBA Summer League debut for the Minnesota Timberwolves on 22-year-old featured for four minutes in their 89-85 win over Phoenix Suns in Las doing so, the former Belfast Star player became the third Irish-born player to play in basketball at the highest level in the United States after Pat Burke and Susan Moran."It was definitely a cool moment for me just checking out the game. [I'm] proud to get here and proud of the achievement," Fulton told the Timberwolves YouTube channel after the game."I wish I could have contributed a little bit more but it was definitely a cool moment and cool experience being out there."[My] family and a few friends made the journey over. It's really special. They've supported me the whole way and everyone is buzzing back home as well so it's been great."Fulton, whose father Adrian Fulton was an Ireland international, was not selected in the NBA draft, but linked up with the Timberwolves - who chose French forward Joan Beringer in the first round and, after trading back, Australian Rocco Zikarsky in the has been with the team in Las Vegas for the NBA's Summer League, which is pre-season competition for teams to showcase new and upcoming not featuring in the Timberwolves first games of the competition, Fulton said he got the nod from head coach Chris Finch on the morning of the game."Coach kind of talked about it at breakfast, just to say 'stay ready and you might get your opportunity today' so that's all I've been doing and grateful for the opportunity," Fulton added."[I was] thrown in the deep end but that's how it is. I wish I could have done a bit more but still really cool being out there and another great team win."The support from back home, the whole country is supporting me and hopefully I can inspire a few players down the line just to keep working and show them that reaching this stage is possible."
