Timberwolves' Cole Aldrich: Gets time with second unit

Aldrich scored four points (1-4 FG, 2-2 FT) to go with six rebounds, two blocks and one assist across 21 minutes in Saturday's 109-100 preseason win over the Heat.

Analysis:

After signing a three-year, $22 million contract with the Timberwolves this offseason, Aldrich is in line to open the campaign as the top backup to Karl-Anthony Towns at center. With Kevin Garnett retiring and Nikola Pekovic (Achilles) likely having played his last game with the Timberwolves, Aldrich's role on the second unit shouldn't be threatened. That said, Towns represents one of the game's top centers, so it seems unlikely that Aldrich will push for more than 20 minutes per game.