Minnesota Timberwolves

As Karl-Anthony Towns detailed his hard luck in Minnesota at the start of training camp, it was easy to wonder if things will ever get better for the Timberwolves. While the recent firing of top boss Gersson Rosas presents another hurdle, the on-court product in Minnesota feels like it’s improving. The two-man game between the sweet-shooting Towns and second-year athletic bulldozer Anthony Edwards should be mesmerizing. Jaden McDaniels is an enticing young front court player, and D’Angelo Russell should be poised for a productive season if he can stay healthy. There’s both a chance for a darkhorse playoff run here and the potential for a big trade. This franchise could really use some good luck for once.

What’s the ‘Best Case’ scenario?

The ‘Best Case’ scenario for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season is pretty simple: make the playoffs. This franchise has only made one trip to the postseason since 2004, and with new ownership on the horizon, the pressure to start winning has never been higher.

What’s the ‘Worst Case’ scenario?

The ‘Worst Case’ scenario for the Minnesota Timberwolves is yet another season filled with bad injury luck, organizational dysfunction, and ultimately far more losses than wins. If the team cannot finally elevate themselves from the Western Conference cellar this year, another rebuild may be inevitable.

What’s the ‘Most Likely’ scenario?

The ‘Most Likely’ scenario is that the youngest team in the league experiences some early season growing pains, but ultimately settles down under Head Coach Chris Finch and makes consistent strides as the season progresses. With nearly half the roster in a contract year and/or extension eligible next summer, the Wolves should be extra motivated and financially incentivized to play the best basketball of their careers, ultimately resulting in a top-10 finish in the West.

What are you most excited for?

This one is easy: Anthony Edwards’ sophomore season. Very few players (especially rookies) were more heavily criticized last season than ANT, and it’ll be on the former Georgia Bulldog to show that his second half statistical surge was less of a mirage and more of a tip of the iceberg.

Season Predictions

Record

39-43

Seeding

9th

Last Season Rankings

Record

23-49

Conference

13th

Offense

25th

Defense

26th

Roster Changes

Additions

Taurean Prince

Patrick Beverley

Leandro Bolmaro

Nathan Knight

Losses

Ricky Rubio

Jarrett Culver

Juancho Hernangomez

Ed Davis