How far can the Karl-Anthony Towns led team go? The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of those teams that could either surprise people or fall flat on their face. I’m not anyone is 100 percent positive of what to make of this Timberwolves team? It’s sort of a make or break season for this group. What can we expect from the Minnesota Timberwolves for the upcoming season?
Key Additions: Shabazz Napier, Treveon Graham, Jarrett Culver, Jake Layman, Jordan Bell, Naz Reid
Not a ton of big additions here. There was some tinkering with the role players. Jordan Bell and Jake Layman could play a role. The defining measure of success will come with the two rookies. The T-Wolves went all in on Jarrett Culver trading up in the draft to go get him. Can Naz Reid play valuable minutes at the 5? Reid was a 5-star recruit and went undrafted out of LSU. Reid had a strong summer league and the team rewarded him with an NBA contract. I’m eager to see how good he can be. Whether Minnesota hits on those young guys will be the measure of success.
Key Departures: Taj Gibson, Derrick Rose, Tyus Jones, Anthony Tolliver, Dario Saric
The T-Wolves do lose some grizzled vets. Taj Gibson was a quality big. WAS? Derrick Rose leaves some scoring prowess behind. WHEN healthy. Tyus Jones is a nice off the bench guard. The backup point guard spot is now a big question mark. Dario Saric was the piece used to move up for Jarrett Culver. If Culver hits, the trade was smart. If not, losing Saric is a big deal.
Starting Lineup: Jeff Teague, Josh Okogie, Andrew Wiggins, Robert Covington, Karl-Anthony Towns
This starting lineup is, well, not interesting. Andrew Wiggins has failed to live up to superstar potential. He’s playing on one of the worst contracts in the league. KAT puts up a lot of stats. His impact on the game is questionable. Calling Robert Covington limited would be putting it nicely.
There’s too many good teams out West to put this team in the playoffs. KAT and Andrew Wiggins will need to take enormous leaps in order for it to happen. That’s not something I foresee happening. For a team that had so many top draft picks, they feel closer to starting it all over again.
