The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a significant move to bolster their roster, officially agreeing to a two-way contract with free agent forward Enrique Freeman. This acquisition comes hot on the heels of other team news, signaling a period of active roster development for the franchise as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Freeman’s arrival adds a layer of defensive prowess and rebounding tenacity, characteristics that could prove vital for the team’s aspirations.
Freeman, aged 25, was initially selected as the 50th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. Despite his draft position, his collegiate career painted a picture of a highly productive and impactful player. His journey to the professional ranks showcases a trajectory of continuous improvement and demonstrated dominance at the NCAA level, particularly in the rebounding department.
Before his transition to the NBA, Freeman carved out a legendary career at the University of Akron. He was a consistent force, averaging a double-double in his final three seasons. His senior year, 2023-24, was particularly outstanding, where he posted remarkable averages of 18.6 points and 12.9 rebounds. Notably, he led the entire nation in rebounding during that final season, a testament to his relentless effort and elite positional awareness under the basket.
His dominance wasn’t limited to just scoring and rebounding; Freeman was also a defensive anchor for the Akron Zips. He earned MAC All-Defense honors four times throughout his collegiate tenure, underscoring his consistent impact on that end of the floor. Furthermore, he was recognized as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22 and culminated his collegiate career by being awarded the prestigious MAC Player of the Year in 2023-24, highlighting his comprehensive influence on the game.
Following a limited stint with the Eastern Conference champion Pacers, playing in only 22 games as a rookie, Freeman exploded onto the scene during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. His performance there was nothing short of sensational, as he showcased a diverse skill set that extended beyond his collegiate reputation. He averaged 16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, demonstrating his expanded offensive game and defensive instincts at a higher level of competition.
His efficiency in Summer League was also a standout feature, shooting an impressive 72.5% from the field overall and a surprising 55.6% from beyond the arc. This newfound shooting touch, combined with his established rebounding and defensive capabilities, positions him as a more versatile threat for the Timberwolves. His ability to space the floor, even if in limited capacity, adds another dimension to his game.
Freeman himself expressed confidence in his expanded arsenal, stating, “I can bring rebounding, defense. Now I can bring shooting. Now I can bring an offensive threat.” He further emphasized his Summer League success, noting, “I had a great Summer League this year, four double-doubles, No. 4 in efficiency throughout the Summer League.” His self-awareness of his motor and work ethic also speaks volumes about his potential fit within the Timberwolves’ system, as he added, “I play very hard. I put in very hard work, and a lot of teams love that.”
The acquisition of Enrique Freeman on a two-way contract provides the Minnesota Timberwolves with a promising young talent who has demonstrated significant growth and potential. His proven collegiate production, combined with his impressive Summer League showing and a clear understanding of his strengths, suggests he could be a valuable addition to the squad, offering depth and impact in critical areas as the team builds towards future success.
