Wolves Offseason Forward Options

[Lipoli390]

LeBron’s not coming here so we’re back to finding a rotation PF for our 14th roster slot. I keep looking and I keep coming back to Jeremy Sochan. I’ll start by saying that I think some other team will likely offer him more than the vet minimum so it’s not as if we can have him if we want him. I think we can make strong pitch to him that we’d be signing him with the intent that he’ll be a major rotation piece on a title contender and also a fun team to play for. We can also pitch that he’ll have an opportunity to start on a title contender, which could get his career back on track at his still very young age of 23.

The following video highlights from 2024-25 when he played significant minutes are worth watching. I know they’re highlights, but they show what he CAN do and that’s what’s most important when looking at a young player. His stats tell us he’s an excellent rebounder with 6.5 boards in 25 minutes per game two seasons ago. He’s known as a hard-working, high-energy player. This video shows a number of additional impressive attributes. Check it out. He’s a terrific ball handler. He extremely quick and explosive with the ball and combines those attributes with excellent body control along with a nice touch inside and the ability to finish with either hand. He has a strong base and boxes out well. He’s incredibly active on both ends. He has a nice touch inside. His perimeter shooting is clearly a weakness but you can see in this video that his is capable of hitting threes. He reminds me of Jared Vanderbilt, but I’d say more explosive with a stronger base and a better shooting touch. He has a touch of Dennis Rodman in him and that’s not just the hair.

I suspect he’s especially driven to succeed now after getting traded and then lost in the mix last season with the Knicks. Putting him on the floor with LaMello Ball would likely bring out the best in him offensively. But more importantly, he rebounds and defends, two things the Wolves need in their front-court rotation.

I think the team that signs Sochan this summer will be very thankful they did. I hope it’s the Wolves.

https://youtu.be/U4TApUhzlAg?si=RY7D9N2ve1EEnGaE

By the the way, the following were Sochan’s key per game stats two seasons ago when he played significant minutes:

54 games, 25.3 MPG, 11.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 TOV, 53.5% FG, 30.8% 3-pt, 69.6% FT

Keep in mind that Jeremy was only 21 years old at the time. If we could get those stats from our starting PF next season, surrounded by elite players like Ant, Ball and Jaden putting up big numbers, we’d be very fortunate.

[bleedspeed]

Trendon Watford would be my choice from the remaining options.

He is only 25 and has legitimate forward size at 6'8" and 237 pounds. He is an unusual point-forward who can rebound, bring the ball up, attack slower defenders and create for teammates. Last season he averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in only 16.3 minutes while shooting 51.5% from the floor. His best game was a 20-point, 17-rebound and 10-assist triple-double against Toronto.

He has also played reasonably well against the Wolves. In 10 career games against Minnesota, he has averaged 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 19 minutes while shooting 50% from the field. His better games include:

• 12 points and 14 rebounds in March 2022
• 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 19 minutes in April 2023
• 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in April 2025
• 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists eight days later

Pros:
• Still young enough to improve
• Legitimate PF size with guard skills
• Career 51.9% shooter from the field
• Can initiate offense, pass from the short roll and push the ball after rebounds
• Has produced when given larger roles
• Requires no trade assets
• Reportedly well-liked by teammates and considered a positive locker-room presence
• Went undrafted and has had to scratch and claw to earn every opportunity and stay in the league. I like betting on players who have already shown that kind of persistence.

Cons:
• Career 32.5% three-point shooter and shot only 20% from three last season
• Not an impact defender despite his size
• Rebounding is inconsistent
• His best skill is handling the ball, but Minnesota would primarily need him to defend, rebound and provide spacing
• Production has often come on injured or rebuilding teams rather than in meaningful playoff minutes
• Hamstring and adductor injuries interrupted last season
• Philadelphia did not trust him with a regular playoff role

I do not see major off-court baggage. There are no obvious public legal or character concerns. He did receive two technicals, an ejection and a fine after an altercation with Indiana in March 2025, but it appears to be an isolated incident rather than a pattern. He is described more often as fiery and competitive than as a problem teammate.

[FNG]

LeBron’s not coming here so we’re back to finding a rotation PF for our 14th roster slot. I keep looking and I keep coming back to Jeremy Sochan. I’ll start by saying that I think some other team will likely offer him more than the vet minimum so it’s not as if we can have him if we want him. I think we can make strong pitch to him that we’d be signing him with the intent that he’ll be a major rotation piece on a title contender and also a fun team to play for. We can also pitch that he’ll have an opportunity to start on a title contender, which could get his career back on track at his still very young age of 23.

The following video highlights from 2024-25 when he played significant minutes are worth watching. I know they’re highlights, but they show what he CAN do and that’s what’s most important when looking at a young player. His stats tell us he’s an excellent rebounder with 6.5 boards in 25 minutes per game two seasons ago. He’s known as a hard-working, high-energy player. This video shows a number of additional impressive attributes. Check it out. He’s a terrific ball handler. He extremely quick and explosive with the ball and combines those attributes with excellent body control along with a nice touch inside and the ability to finish with either hand. He has a strong base and boxes out well. He’s incredibly active on both ends. He has a nice touch inside. His perimeter shooting is clearly a weakness but you can see in this video that his is capable of hitting threes. He reminds me of Jared Vanderbilt, but I’d say more explosive with a stronger base and a better shooting touch. He has a touch of Dennis Rodman in him and that’s not just the hair.

I suspect he’s especially driven to succeed now after getting traded and then lost in the mix last season with the Knicks. Putting him on the floor with LaMello Ball would likely bring out the best in him offensively. But more importantly, he rebounds and defends, two things the Wolves need in their front-court rotation.

I think the team that signs Sochan this summer will be very thankful they did. I hope it’s the Wolves.

https://youtu.be/U4TApUhzlAg?si=RY7D9N2ve1EEnGaE

By the the way, the following were Sochan’s key per game stats two seasons ago when he played significant minutes:

54 games, 25.3 MPG, 11.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.6 TOV, 53.5% FG, 30.8% 3-pt, 69.6% FT

Keep in mind that Jeremy was only 21 years old at the time. If we could get those stats from our starting PF next season, surrounded by elite players like Ant, Ball and Jaden putting up big numbers, we’d be very fortunate.

Lip, I've always liked Sochan also. But as a career 28.6% 3-point shooter on only 2 attempts per game, I think he needs to play next to a stretch 5. I can't envision much space for an offense to operate in if both he and Rudy/Joan were on the court.

[Monster]

Trendon Watford would be my choice from the remaining options.

He is only 25 and has legitimate forward size at 6'8" and 237 pounds. He is an unusual point-forward who can rebound, bring the ball up, attack slower defenders and create for teammates. Last season he averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in only 16.3 minutes while shooting 51.5% from the floor. His best game was a 20-point, 17-rebound and 10-assist triple-double against Toronto.

He has also played reasonably well against the Wolves. In 10 career games against Minnesota, he has averaged 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 19 minutes while shooting 50% from the field. His better games include:

• 12 points and 14 rebounds in March 2022
• 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 19 minutes in April 2023
• 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in April 2025
• 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists eight days later

Pros:
• Still young enough to improve
• Legitimate PF size with guard skills
• Career 51.9% shooter from the field
• Can initiate offense, pass from the short roll and push the ball after rebounds
• Has produced when given larger roles
• Requires no trade assets
• Reportedly well-liked by teammates and considered a positive locker-room presence
• Went undrafted and has had to scratch and claw to earn every opportunity and stay in the league. I like betting on players who have already shown that kind of persistence.

Cons:
• Career 32.5% three-point shooter and shot only 20% from three last season
• Not an impact defender despite his size
• Rebounding is inconsistent
• His best skill is handling the ball, but Minnesota would primarily need him to defend, rebound and provide spacing
• Production has often come on injured or rebuilding teams rather than in meaningful playoff minutes
• Hamstring and adductor injuries interrupted last season
• Philadelphia did not trust him with a regular playoff role

I do not see major off-court baggage. There are no obvious public legal or character concerns. He did receive two technicals, an ejection and a fine after an altercation with Indiana in March 2025, but it appears to be an isolated incident rather than a pattern. He is described more often as fiery and competitive than as a problem teammate.

Watford is an interesting player Bleed. He has actually played quite a bit of basketball and as you pointed out some some good things. He seems to be a better scoring slightly better shooting version of Kyle Anderson (both low volume) without the high end defense Kyle provided. I'm actually somewhat intrigued with Watford but idk if he is the right player to take a chance on with the Wolves roster. The Wolves passed on Anderson to sign Lyles. It feels like Watford is another less than impressive athlete who isn't a floor spacer. Lyles is also an OK athlete but he at least has size. With Gobert and Beringer and lack of other forwards with true PF size idk if that's the right guy.

Which brings me to Lip and I's young experienced bargain basement favorite Sochan. He hasn't shown a whole lot in terms of being an outside shooter. I'll say Watford is a way better scorer being able to hit a nice amount of shots in that 3-10 foot range according to basketball reference. What I think Sochan might be able to do better and make him a little more interesting is he seems like a guy that could actually guard wings. I think that has some value on the roster and he is young but has NBA experience.

On the other hand like FNG pointed out how much can you really live with 3 guys that aren't much of a threat to score a couple feet away from the basket? If Sochan really was as good of a player as a healthy Vanderbilt I wouldn't care if he couldn't shoot the ball. That a valuable player and you figure it out plus you can play that type of player as a small ball center. I'm not sure Sochan is that good on defense though.

It seems like Watford being let go there will be more players that have some NBA experience that might fit better what the Wolves need/looking for. Maybe there will be a trade after all. There are teams that have more than 15 players signed to NBA contracts and there will be more FAs signed.

You want to here a name that doesn't seem to be an option but is only 32 and once was a pretty nice rotation player? Montrezl Harrell

[Lipoli390]

Monster — Perimeter shooting is an issue for Sochan, but defense is not. He’s an excellent defender. Here’s what Gemini had to say about Jeremy’s defense:

Sochan is an elite perimeter and wing defender, widely regarded as a high-impact, lockdown option when tasked with stopping the league's best perimeter creators. [1, 2]
Because his severe offensive shooting struggles limit his role, his calling card in the NBA is entirely built on his high-level defensive utility. [1, 2]

On-Ball Isolation Defense
* Elite Point-of-Attack Skill: He excels in isolation tracking, famously ranking near the top of the league in metrics like the BBall Index isolation defense metric. [1, 2]
* Star Stopper: At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the literal length and lateral quickness to hold his own against premier offensive superstars like Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. [1, 2]
* Disruptive Physicality: Analysts note that Sochan is exceptional at using subtle, legal upper-body contact to knock ball-handlers off their driving lines and disturb their shooting rhythms. [1]

Versatility & Switching
* Positions 1 through 4: He is a highly flexible "mobile forward". He can seamlessly switch screens to guard lightning-fast point guards or absorb contact against physical power forwards like Zion Williamson. [1, 2, 3, 4]
* Foul Discipline: He maintains a balanced low stance with active, high hands, allowing him to effectively contest jump shots without lunging forward or committing cheap fouls. [1]

Regarding his shooting, he actually has a very nice touch near and around the basket. As the video shows, he can hit threes and doesn’t look terrible from distance. In any event, we already have a stretch 4 in Trey Lyles if needed. Moreover, every team can use a high-level disruptive, versatile defender like Sochan and the Wolves are particularly in need of a physical defender like Sochan - something that even Rudy is not. I’m not worried about playing him for stretches with Rudy. We’d still have three excellent 3-point shooters in the floor in Ant, Ball and Jaden (or Ayo for any one of those three). Meanwhile, both Rudy and Sochan can score near the basket with Sochan possessing a lot of mobility and having the ability to step out a little as the video illustrates. Honestly, I don’t think we’ll be able to sign Sochan because I think he’ll command more than the vet minimum in the marketplace, but we should definitely try.

[Coolbreeze44]

Lip, did you ever work at Waffle House?

[Monster]

Monster — Perimeter shooting is an issue for Sochan, but defense is not. He’s an excellent defender. Here’s what Gemini had to say about Jeremy’s defense:

Sochan is an elite perimeter and wing defender, widely regarded as a high-impact, lockdown option when tasked with stopping the league's best perimeter creators. [1, 2]
Because his severe offensive shooting struggles limit his role, his calling card in the NBA is entirely built on his high-level defensive utility. [1, 2]

On-Ball Isolation Defense
* Elite Point-of-Attack Skill: He excels in isolation tracking, famously ranking near the top of the league in metrics like the BBall Index isolation defense metric. [1, 2]
* Star Stopper: At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the literal length and lateral quickness to hold his own against premier offensive superstars like Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. [1, 2]
* Disruptive Physicality: Analysts note that Sochan is exceptional at using subtle, legal upper-body contact to knock ball-handlers off their driving lines and disturb their shooting rhythms. [1]

Versatility & Switching
* Positions 1 through 4: He is a highly flexible "mobile forward". He can seamlessly switch screens to guard lightning-fast point guards or absorb contact against physical power forwards like Zion Williamson. [1, 2, 3, 4]
* Foul Discipline: He maintains a balanced low stance with active, high hands, allowing him to effectively contest jump shots without lunging forward or committing cheap fouls. [1]

Regarding his shooting, he actually has a very nice touch near and around the basket. As the video shows, he can hit threes and doesn’t look terrible from distance. In any event, we already have a stretch 4 in Trey Lyles if needed. Moreover, every team can use a high-level disruptive, versatile defender like Sochan and the Wolves are particularly in need of a physical defender like Sochan - something that even Rudy is not. I’m not worried about playing him for stretches with Rudy. We’d still have three excellent 3-point shooters in the floor in Ant, Ball and Jaden (or Ayo for any one of those three). Meanwhile, both Rudy and Sochan can score near the basket with Sochan possessing a lot of mobility and having the ability to step out a little as the video illustrates. Honestly, I don’t think we’ll be able to sign Sochan because I think he’ll command more than the vet minimum in the marketplace, but we should definitely try.

Lip I spent a few minutes reading some various takes on Sochan from fans and picking through the consensus I found that I wasn't sure just how good of a defender he really was especially on the perimeter. We know fans have good and bad takes but there was enough that seemed to have well thought out balanced info they shared I thought it was worth considering. He makes shots at the rim but outside of 3 feet if falls off drastically. Yes his shot doesn't look terrible and he is young so that's why we have hope for him but let's also be a little realistic here. Player X has nice size some good athletic ability (some fans said his athletic ability often gets overstated) and can't hit 3's and has no other scoring offense. He does have some playmaking passing ability...that describes a lot of G-league players.

I think if Sochan is being considered there are likely 5-10 other players with similar or maybe even better skillsets that should be considered as well. We don't know who those guys are probably (wadford is a newer name brought up) but I'd guess they are out there. Personally I get the idea that the way Connelly operates that he will be adding some sort of moderately legit player to the roster via trade, FA, a team letting a player go (Hornets have like 18 players under NBA contracts) etc etc. Adding a Watford type player who has some legit NBA experience on a 2-way instead of Freeman tracks with what they have done with the 2 way spots a few times. I'm hoping we can find another Garza that forces his way into a 2 way deal and shows they are at least an NBA player. Idk who that guy is but Garza didn't sing till what a couple weeks or so before training camp started?

[Crazysauce]

It would be nice if we could get Sasha Vezenkov to come back to try the nba again. Hes been pretty damn good in Europe. Also heard Mario Hezonja may be trying to come back.

[Phenom]

It would be nice if we could get Sasha Vezenkov to come back to try the nba again. Hes been pretty damn good in Europe. Also heard Mario Hezonja may be trying to come back.

I was just thinking about Hezonja. He is reportedly a target for teams that miss out on LeBron. Has apparently been playing both forward spots. He's been around 37% from 3. Real Madrid has him listed at 240 lbs so he's bulked up from his nba days. His rebound % during his NBA time was 18.45%, which is quite good. He is probably the next best option.

[bleedspeed]

Watford is an interesting player Bleed. He has actually played quite a bit of basketball and as you pointed out some some good things. He seems to be a better scoring slightly better shooting version of Kyle Anderson (both low volume) without the high end defense Kyle provided. I'm actually somewhat intrigued with Watford but idk if he is the right player to take a chance on with the Wolves roster. The Wolves passed on Anderson to sign Lyles. It feels like Watford is another less than impressive athlete who isn't a floor spacer. Lyles is also an OK athlete but he at least has size. With Gobert and Beringer and lack of other forwards with true PF size idk if that's the right guy.

I like that he went undrafted and has made it this far. That takes grit.