Drew Timme: Old-School Post Game Thriving on the Lakers Bench

In an NBA increasingly dominated by three-point shooting and positionless basketball, a refreshingly anachronistic style of play still finds a way to shine. Enter Drew Timme, a name synonymous with dazzling footwork, crafty post moves, and an undeniable competitive fire. After a storied collegiate career at Gonzaga, Timme has steadily carved out a niche in the professional ranks, making a significant impact during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. His journey from an undrafted prospect to a valuable frontcourt contributor with the Lakers, and subsequently earning a new contract, is a testament to his persistence and the enduring value of a well-executed old-school game.

The Unconventional Path: From Gonzaga Dominance to NBA Grind

Drew Timme's path to the NBA was anything but conventional. A dominant force in college, he was the heart and soul of several high-achieving Gonzaga teams, known for his signature goggles, vocal leadership, and an array of low-post wizardry that bewildered collegiate defenders. Despite his overwhelming success and high basketball IQ, Timme went undrafted in 2023, a stark reminder of how much the league's aesthetic has shifted away from traditional big men. Undeterred, Timme embraced the grind, starting his professional journey in the NBA G League. His rookie campaign saw him with the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks' affiliate, after signing an Exhibit 10 deal. While his immediate impact wasn't as profound as his collegiate days, it was a crucial learning period. He then found another opportunity, joining the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, for the 2024-25 season. Here, his game began to blossom, averaging 11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in just 19.0 minutes per contest, shooting an efficient 52.3% from the field. His persistent efforts and undeniable talent eventually earned him a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025. This move marked a pivotal moment, providing Timme with his first significant NBA opportunity and setting the stage for him to prove his mettle on the biggest stage. His rise from an undrafted hopeful to a contributor for one of the league's most storied franchises encapsulates the spirit of perseverance that defines many successful NBA careers. Discover more about his arduous journey in Drew Timme's Lakers Rise: From Undrafted to NBA Contributor.

Old-School Flair Meets Modern Game: Timme's Impact with the Lakers

During his time with the Lakers, particularly in the 2025-26 season, Drew Timme became a compelling narrative. In a league increasingly valuing stretch bigs and perimeter play, Timme's throwback style offered a refreshing change of pace. His strengths are a throwback to a bygone era:

Elite Post Scoring and Footwork: Timme's intricate footwork, up-and-unders, drop steps, and pump fakes are a masterclass in low-post offense. He understands angles, leverage, and how to create space against bigger, more athletic defenders.
Mid-Range Touch: Beyond the block, Timme possesses a reliable mid-range jump shot, adding another dimension to his scoring arsenal that can punish defenses sagging off him.
High Basketball IQ: He reads the game exceptionally well, making intelligent passes out of the post, setting solid screens, and understanding defensive rotations.
Physical Inside Presence: Timme brings a much-needed physical toughness and grit to the frontcourt, excelling in rebounding and battling for advantageous positioning.

These skills proved incredibly valuable for the Lakers, especially during stretches plagued by injuries to key veterans like LeBron James. When opportunities arose, Timme stepped up, demonstrating he could contribute effectively. In a memorable 2026 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was even thrust into the starting lineup and led the team in scoring early on, showcasing flashes of strong production with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in that particular outing. Earlier in 2026, he recorded a career-best G League/NBA performance with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, underscoring his potential. His ability to provide instant offense and a different look off the bench solidified his role as a reliable depth option for a Lakers squad balancing veteran stars with emerging talent.

A Rivalry Forged in Friendship: Timme vs. Holmgren

One of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Drew Timme is his compelling connection with fellow Gonzaga alumnus, Chet Holmgren. Their paths to the NBA couldn't have been more different, yet they both originated from the same college program:

Both were teammates at Gonzaga, forming a formidable frontcourt duo.
Holmgren was a highly touted top NBA draft pick, while Timme embarked on a longer, more arduous journey through the G League.
They've now faced each other in the NBA, adding a competitive and captivating twist to their collegiate bond.

While Holmgren has rapidly ascended to NBA All-Star status and become a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Timme has diligently worked to prove himself at the highest level. Their matchups highlight contrasting career trajectories—the elite prospect vs. the hard-working grinder—yet both embody the spirit of Gonzaga basketball. This friendly rivalry offers fans a compelling narrative about different routes to NBA success and the enduring bonds forged in college. Explore their unique dynamic further in Timme vs. Holmgren: Gonzaga Teammates' Contrasting NBA Paths.

Sharpening the Edges: What's Next for Drew Timme?

While Drew Timme’s old-school game brings unique value, his continued development will be crucial for solidifying a long-term NBA career. Areas for improvement include:

Defense Against Elite Bigs: The modern NBA demands versatility, and improving his defense against more athletic, shooting-oriented bigs will be key. This includes enhancing his ability to switch onto smaller players and improve his pick-and-roll coverage.
Consistency Over Full Games: Sustaining high-level impact over extended minutes and across multiple games is a continuous challenge for any emerging player.
Expanding Shooting Range: While his mid-range is solid, adding a consistent three-point shot would significantly increase his offensive versatility and make him even harder to guard, fitting better into modern offensive schemes.

These improvements would transform him from an impactful role player into a consistent rotation fixture. Fortunately, Timme has shown a strong work ethic and high basketball IQ, suggesting he has the tools to make these adjustments. There have been no major reported injuries for Drew Timme in the 2025-26 NBA season, allowing him to focus purely on his development. His personal life remains private, with no confirmed information about a spouse, indicating a clear focus on his professional career. His impactful stint with the Lakers, where he consistently demonstrated his unique skillset and competitive drive, did not go unnoticed. His hard work and value culminated in a significant two-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets in March 2026, a testament to his perseverance and the growing appreciation for his distinct brand of basketball. This move represents a new chapter, building on the foundation he established in Los Angeles.

Conclusion

Drew Timme's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, skill, and the timeless appeal of well-executed fundamentals. His old-school post game, characterized by exceptional footwork, scoring touch, and high basketball IQ, proved invaluable during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. While the NBA continues to evolve, Timme's ability to create mismatches, score efficiently in the paint, and contribute with a physical presence ensures he has a place in the league. As he continues to refine his game, particularly on the defensive end and by expanding his shooting range, Drew Timme is poised to evolve into an even more consistent and vital contributor. His story is a powerful reminder that in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of professional basketball, there's always room for a player who truly understands the art of the game.