Josh Minott '21 Shines in Timberwolves' Preseason Debut

In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, Josh Minott delivered an eye-catching performance, reminding everyone why he was a highly-touted prospect during his high school and college days. Minott's 22 points, 8 rebounds, and dynamic play on both ends of the court in the Timberwolves' 124-107 win validated his fresh approach to the game and his determination to make an impact this NBA season.

Before making his mark in the NBA, Minott honed his skills at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida. As a standout player in high school, he led his team to its first Class 3A state championship during his junior year, averaging 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. By his senior season, Minott elevated his game, posting 23.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest, which earned him recognition as Palm Beach County's Class 5A-1A Player of the Year by the Sun-Sentinel. A four-star recruit, Minott turned down offers from top programs like Florida State, Texas, Baylor, and Maryland, committing to play for the University of Memphis.

At Memphis, Minott continued to shine, showing his versatility as a freshman. In a January 2022 game, he scored a career-high 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in an 83-81 win over Tulsa. His season averages of 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in limited minutes earned him a spot on the American Athletic Conference (AAC) All-Freshman Team, as well as three AAC Freshman of the Week honors. After his strong freshman campaign, Minott declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, opting to forgo the rest of his college eligibility to pursue his professional dreams.

Minott’s journey from standout high school talent at Saint Andrew’s to a key player at Memphis culminated in his NBA selection by the Timberwolves in the second round. In his first two seasons, he faced the challenge of proving himself, bouncing between the NBA and the G League. However, his breakout performance in the Timberwolves' preseason opener suggests that Minott has finally found his stride.

After dealing with the pressures of the NBA and feeling the need to impress coaches early in his career, Minott has embraced a more relaxed, confident mindset. This new approach paid off, as he shot 9-of-11 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc in the preseason game. His coach, Chris Finch, and veteran point guard Mike Conley have both praised his growth, noting his increased strength and focus in training camp.

While it’s just preseason, Minott's strong showing offers hope that he will carve out a more significant role for himself in a Timberwolves roster that values depth and young talent. His performance, including several highlight dunks and key defensive plays, was a statement that he’s ready to contribute more consistently in his third NBA season.

For the Saint Andrew’s community, Minott’s success is a source of pride, showcasing the journey of a player who has worked tirelessly to reach the NBA and is now beginning to thrive on the professional stage. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Minott to see if he can carry this momentum forward and earn a lasting spot in the Timberwolves’ rotation.