While the Los Angeles Lakers have been short on draft picks in recent years, they’ve done well unearthing talent via their two-way contracts.
The Lakers have several success stories on players they signed to two-way deals, most notably Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves.
This season, Los Angeles has Nick Smith Jr., Chris Mañon and Drew Timme currently on two-way contracts. Timme is the team’s newest signing, initially latching on with the South Bay Lakers before being promoted to a two-way.
Timme made his Lakers debut in garbage time against the L.A. Clippers and head coach JJ Redick said he expects the big man to play more for the parent team as the season progresses, discussing what he can bring to the squad.
“I would assume that he’s gonna play for us at some point. That’s kind of what the purpose of the two-way is, right? We have for sure 12-14 rostered guys that have all been in the rotation this year, so there’s gonna be games where we have injuries and Drew is gonna get an opportunity,” Redick said.
“I think he’s tremendously skilled offensively. Haven’t really had a big here as like a hub, as like a passing guy that you can kind of play out of the high post with. AD, to an extent, but a lot of the stuff we ran for him in those spots was to get him a shot and not to be a playmaker. But I think the thing that’s kind of underrated with [Timme] is his defensive rebounding is like really good, particularly for his size. He’s produced at every level and looking forward to coaching him.”
Los Angeles has been overly cautious with its players when it comes to injuries, so there will likely be opportunities for Timme to suit up and get real NBA reps. Timme spent time with the Brooklyn Nets last season, so he’s a little more seasoned than the normal two-way player but he could still use more minutes to develop.
A big man who can pass and playmake, Timme has an interesting offensive profile that could come in handy in certain situations. His lack of size will be an issue on defense, but the makings of a league-level offensive player are certainly there.
JJ Redick and Lakers motivated to win Emirates NBA Cup
Drew Timme got to see firsthand the Lakers clinch West Group B after their win against the Clippers, guaranteeing their spot in the knockout rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup. JJ Redick knows the goal is to win a championship, but he and the Lakers are motivated to win the NBA Cup as well.
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