Minnesota Timberwolves draftee Matteo Spagnolo will play at least the 2022-23 season abroad in Italy after a stint with the team in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Spagnolo, the 50th pick last month, played last season with Vanoli Cremona of the Italian Lega A, the top professional league in Italy. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25 games on 44.1% shooting from 3-point range.
The 19-year-old joined the Timberwolves in Las Vegas and averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds in five summer league games. The competition was his first taste of the NBA as the team wanted him to get a feel for the American game.
🇮🇹 ⚡️ il meglio dell'@NBASummerLeague di Matteo Spagnolo!@Timberwolves | #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/bUCNhIKnMP
— NBA Italia (@NBAItalia) July 18, 2022
The Timberwolves selected him with the thought that he would spend at least one more season overseas. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly said on draft night that the team was excited about selecting him and they are eager to see his progress overseas.
Spagnolo is currently in the midst of selecting his next team. Italian club Dolomiti Energia Trento has reportedly emerged as the front-runner to sign him and is an attractive option because they play in the EuroCup, according to Orazio Cauchi of BasketNews.com.
With summer league now over, Spagnolo is expected to make a decision soon on his next step as he transitions back to Italy. He could be a candidate to join the Timberwolves next year after another season playing overseas.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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