Dawson Garcia, Minnesota Gophers
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves finished their season with the same result as they did a year ago — a 4-1 Western Conference Finals defeat, this time at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who tip off game one of the 2025 NBA Finals Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers.
This is a critical offseason for the Wolves. The team sale is expected to be finalized this month, and multiple key free agency decisions are on the docket. There is also the upcoming NBA Draft in which Minnesota holds the 17th and 31st overall pick.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a few different ways they could use the picks. One player expected to be on the board for both picks is hometown hero, Dawson Garcia, who grew up in Prior Lake and played three seasons for the Minnesota Gophers.
Dawson Garcia showcases talent for Minnesota Timberwolves
While it is unlikely Garcia hears his name called in a couple weeks, when the NBA Draft takes place, it’s worth noting that, according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on a recent episode of the Mackey & Judd Show on SKOR North, the Timberwolves hosted Garcia for a private workout recently.
Should the future stars align, it’s very plausible the Wolves give him a shot on their 2025 Summer League team, at the least.
When Dawson Garcia first left Prior Lake High School, he landed at Marquette. He lasted one season over the eastern border, before transferring to North Carolina, before eventually coming home and playing for the Minnesota Gophers.
In between the note that Garcia did work out for the Timberwolves, Wolfson mentioned that, even if he doesn’t catch on with the NBA or G-League, Dawson will have plenty of lucrative overseas options to pursue. Over the course of his 5-year college career, Dawson Garcia has played 132 games.
Garcia could still try for another year with Minnesota Gophers… or other college program
During his final season with Minnesota the forward averaged 19.2 points per game and shot 4.74% from the field. He’s not a great three-point threat, shooting just 35.3% for his career, but has plenty of athleticism for his 6’1″ frame.
Still, it’s not impossible that Garcia tries for one more year of eligibility. Garcia reportedly made $500k in NIL last season with Minnesota. The Gophers should have substantially more to spend with new head coach Niko Medved,. No doubt, Garcia would have plenty of other collegiate suitors as well.
DAWSON GARCIA!
AT THE BUZZER. FROM THE LOGO. FOR THE WIN.@GopherMBB x #B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/4DAwJ1u1ch
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) January 17, 2025
Minnesota’s drafted Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. last summer. The former failed to carve out a significant role but remains a substantial upside play. The latter earned key minutes down the stretch and provided a points infusion off the bench during the playoffs.
Mentioned in this article: Dawson Garcia NBA Draft More About:Minnesota Gophers Basketball