Johnny Juzang Joins the Minnesota Timberwolves
Johnny Juzang is swapping out his Utah Jazz threads for some Timberwolves blue, and NBA fans are already buzzing. The former Jazz wing has agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which could be his shot at revitalizing his career after three seasons in Salt Lake City. Will this move work out?
How Good Was Johnny Juzang In Utah?
Juzang’s stint with the Utah Jazz was a bit of a rollercoaster. After going undrafted out of UCLA in 2022, Juzang gave the Jazz flashes of brilliance over three seasons. This past year, he posted career highs, averaging 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Impressive? Kind of. Consistent? Not exactly.
64 games (including 18 starts) in one season is respectable, but he’ll need more than a couple of streaky three-point barrages to cement his place in Minnesota’s rotation. Still, his shooting ability gives him an edge in today’s floor-spacing NBA. Remember his breakout 2023-24 campaign when he shot a stellar 41.6% from deep? Timberwolves fans are crossing their fingers for that version of Juzang.
Why Did Minnesota Sign Him?
Minnesota isn’t throwing cash at big-name free agents. Instead, they are opting for value signings. Depth pieces like Juzang come with little financial or team chemistry risk, which is exactly what the Wolves need as they chase another playoff berth in an ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Coach Chris Finch already has a packed rotation, so Juzang’s role is likely to begin at the end of the bench. But if injuries slam the main roster (as they often do over 82 games), or if a younger guy like Rob Dillingham struggles, Juzang might just get some run. Plus, his size (6′7“) and ability to create shots make him a versatile option for situational minutes. At best, Juzang becomes a reliable rotational player. At worst, this is a cheap, one-year experiment that does not hurt anyone.
What Makes Juzang a Fit For the Timberwolves?
Two words: perimeter shooting. The Timberwolves need it badly. Sure, they have guys like Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards, but consistent three-point threats don’t grow on trees. Juzang’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting could be his ticket into the lineup. And let’s face it, we’ve all seen teams sink or swim in today’s NBA based purely on their ability to get buckets beyond the arc.
Another factor? Age. At just 24, he is still young enough to develop into a better all-around player. Minnesota is betting on his potential here.
Will He Make the Final Roster?
Signing Juzang on a training camp deal doesn’t guarantee anything. Minnesota still has two open roster spots, and he will compete with other hopefuls to secure one of them. But here’s why his chances aren’t too shabby:
- His three-point shooting is a valuable skill that every team covets.
- He’s got some veteran experience after three years with the Jazz, which gives him a leg up over younger, rawer players.
- Juzang’s ability to slide between shooting guard and small forward makes him a versatile depth piece.
Don’t be surprised if the Wolves bring in more players to compete for those last spots. But if Juzang impresses during training camp, he could be a sneaky-good addition to Minnesota’s bench.
What’s Next For Minnesota?
The Timberwolves’ offseason plan has been pretty transparent so far. They are not swinging for the fences with splashy signings but are instead assembling a deep, balanced roster. From grabbing value signings like Juzang to keeping flexibility with those two open roster spots, this team is being built on practicality and potential.
That said, Timberwolves fans hoping for another star player might want to temper their expectations. Instead of a big-name addition, the team is banking on internal development and a strong supporting cast for its existing stars. And honestly, that’s not a bad plan for a team trying to stay in the playoff hunt.
Why Should Timberwolves Fans Care?
Juzang isn’t moving the needle at first glance. He’s not a franchise-altering player, and this signing won’t dominate ESPN’s headlines. But as we’ve seen in the modern NBA, championship teams need deep benches. Just ask the Miami Heat, who rode their role players to the Finals in 2023.
If Juzang finds his shooting stroke and fits into Finch’s system, he could be the kind of low-cost, high-impact player every team wishes they had. And for fans, that’s an intriguing “what if.”
Final Thoughts
While the Juzang signing won’t set off fireworks in Minnesota, it’s the kind of calculated risk that smart organizations take. It’s also a reminder that the Wolves, for all their aspirations, are still trying to balance winning now and planning for the future. With any luck, Juzang might just become a part of that future. For now, though, we will have to wait and see if he makes the final cut. Training camp just got a little more interesting.
