After inking a three-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is Jarred Vanderbilt poised for a big season?

Vanderbilt was drafted out of the University of Kentucky with the 41st pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. However, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft night and appeared in 17 games during his rookie season.

Vanderbilt is a talented young player and was ranked 13th out of high school. Despite that, he struggled to earn consistent minutes on a playoff team. Minnesota for obvious reasons isn’t a playoff team and lacks depth in the frontcourt. Because of that, the young forward played in 64 games last season and started in 30 of those.

In three seasons, Vanderbilt is yet to play in 100 games (92). In some ways, it’s almost like he’s coming off a rookie season. He’s only 22 years old, talented, and isn’t even close to scratching the surface of what he could be.

Minnesota would like to play Jaden McDaniels at small forward, meaning it’s safe to assume Vanderbilt will start at power forward next to Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Timberwolves need to improve their defense, and Vanderbilt is one of the best defenders on the roster. Last season he held a defensive rating of 109.2 – which ranks second behind Jordan McLaughlin of players who played at least 15 minutes.

Vanderbilt is great defensively because of his athleticism and quickness. In this video you see him picking up Goran Dragić full-court, which eventually leads to a turnover.

Vanderbilt and Towns were one of the most effective two-man lineups for the Timberwolves last season. In 40 games, the two held an offensive rating of 112.0 and a defensive rating of 107.1.

Vanderbilt will need to get better offensively if he wants to take his career to new heights. Last season, he took nine shots outside of 10 feet, and in today’s game, that’s not something you want out of your forwards or centers.

Credit to him for understanding what his strengths are and not forcing up any 3s. If he wasn’t playing next to Towns or Naz Reid (both players who can stretch the floor), then Vanderbilt would become a bigger liability.

Free throws are a good indication of a players shooting ability. Vanderbilt has been underwhelming from the line, shooting 57.0 percent over the last three seasons. That could play a role in his ability to close games for the team this season.

We’ll likely see Vanderbilt start the majority of games this year, and provide much-needed defense. If Vanderbilt can improve his shooting and take more shots outside of 15 feet, then it would open up more opportunities offensively for everyone.

Vanderbilt will be 25 when his contract is up and has the potential of earning a bigger payday if he continues to improve. Expect the former Wildcat to have a big season and prove he was worth every penny.