2024-25 NBA Season Previews: Minnesota Timberwolves

2024-25 NBA Season Previews: Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA season is hours away and the Minnesota Timberwolves get their season started against the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 pm ET Tuesday night. But before they get started here is a look at what to expect from the Timberwolves.

What happened last year?

The Minnesota Timberwolves did something last season that they hadn’t done in 20 years. They won a playoff series. Not just one but two series on the way to the Western Conference Finals.  After sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round Minnesota took out the defending champion, Denver Nuggets, in seven games. However, their dream run came to an end in five games against the Dallas Mavericks. A season ago the Timberwolves finished with a record of 56-26 which saw them finish third in both the Western Conference and the Northwest Division.

Offseason Recap

It was a rather uneventful offseason for the Timberwolves until earlier in October. That was when the biggest trade of the NBA offseason took place. Minnesota shipped Karl-Anthony Towns to New York and got Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a 2025 first-round pick in return. This move changed a lot for the Timberwolves. In addition to this deal, they drafted Terrence Shannon with the 27th overall pick and traded for Rob Dillingham, the 8th overall pick from the San Antonio Spurs.

Projected Starting 5

PG: Mike Conley – Heading into his 18th NBA season and second full season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Conley should continue his role as the complimentary guard alongside Anthony Edwards. The wily veteran still has some game in him and could improve on his 11.4 ppg from last season. 

SG: Anthony Edwards – If last season was any hint of what we will see from Edwards in the future we are in for a treat. The 5th year guard rose to stardom last year earning his second NBA All-Star selection and first All-NBA appearance. The Georgia product is great at both ends and averaged 25.9ppg with 1.3spg last season. Look for him to keep trending up and push the Minnesota Timberwolves to another level. 

SF: Jaden McDaniels – McDaniels took a slight step backward in his fourth season. Practically all of his stats went down last year but that does not mean at all that he is not a great fit in this starting five. The lengthy forward can play at both ends and uses his size to trouble all types of players on defense. 

PF: Julius Randle – The newest Timberwolf could have a very positive impact this season. Randle played just 46 games last season but still averaged 20.0ppg and 9.2reb. It will be very interesting to see how he and Rudy Gobert play together. If Randle returns to his prior form then the Minnesota Timberwolves could be a real problem out West.

C: Rudy Gobert – By this time in Gobert’s 12-year career we all know the threat he poses at the defensive end. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year averaged 2.1blk and 11.8reb last season. Expect the Frenchman to have a better offensive year with the departure of KAT.

Notable Reserves

G: Donte DiVincenzo – The newly acquired DiVincenzo started 63 games for the Knicks last year. Having him lead the second unit will be a massive boost to a bench that was led by Jordan McLaughlin. Look for him to control the tempo and use his offensive game to keep Minnesota in games when Edwards and Conley are on the bench. 

G: Rob Dillingham – The other guard to look out for off the bench is rookie Dillingham. The 8th overall pick from Kentucky was one of the best Freshmen in college last year and if his game transitions to the NBA then the Timberwolves will have a dangerous asset for years to come. 

F: Naz Reid – Reid was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2024. He was a key part in the Timberwolves’ playoff run averaging 11.1ppg and 3.7reb over the 16 games. Expect him to be a force off the bench once again.

Biggest X-Factor: How will the bench depth hold up?

We all know what the starters are capable of for Minnesota, but the bench still has some questions. Newly acquired guards Dillingham and DiVincenzo could add significant help for the second unit that was a bit lackadaisical outside of Naz Reid. Nickeil Alexander-Walker may need to improve on his 8.0ppg last year with 37-year-old Joe Ingles as the other forward option off the bench.

Season Projection

The addition of Julius Randle keeps the Minnesota Timberwolves in the hunt for a top seed. I see them finishing with a record of 54-28 and as the fourth seed in the West.

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