AJ Lawson signs first two-way NBA contract. And it comes with a twist
AJ Lawson is going to have his best shot at making an NBA roster.
The former South Carolina standout will sign a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The move to Minnesota is interesting because that’s not the organization where Lawson shined during this year’s NBA Summer League. Lawson played this summer with the Dallas Mavericks. He impressed enough to have the Timberwolves give him a bigger opportunity.
Lawson led the Mavericks in scoring during the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 15.6 points and six rebounds in the five games played. He shot 50% from 3-point range.
A two-way deal allows a player to spend up to 45 days with an NBA team during the G-League season, and the rest of the time must be spent with the team’s developmental affiliate. The contract also prevents the player from being signed by another NBA team.
The Iowa City Wolves are Minnesota’s G-League affiliate.
“The key areas I wanted to show, three-levels of scoring I can do: I can shoot the trey-ball, I can hit the mid-range, I can get to the basket. I can score at all three-levels,” Lawson told DallasBasketball.com. “I also wanted to mainly show my defending ability. I feel I can defend 1-3, sometimes even the 4. I can create a lot of havoc on the ball and off the ball. Being a good communicator on the court with my teammates. Bringing that energy.
“In summer league, I wanted to be effective in any way I can. Bring versatility both offensively and defensively. Just try to help my team win because that’s what I feel is most important.”
Lawson played last season with the College Park Hawks, Atlanta’s G-League team, and averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
At South Carolina, Lawson played three seasons for Frank Martin and averaged 14.2 points, 4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He was selected to the all-SEC Freshman team in 2018-19.
