Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 reasons they won’t make the 2018 playoffs

By Allen Wardell

Nov 25, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 98-85. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 98-85. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 121-107. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 121-107. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Timberwolves appear close to getting back into the playoffs after a 13-year drought. What could keep them from getting there in 2018?

Going into the 2016-2017 NBA season, there certainly was plenty of excitement and hype around the Minnesota Timberwolves, and for good reason.

They finished the previous year winning seven out of their last 12 games, including a big win in Golden State against the Warriors.

On top of that, Karl -Anthony Towns captured the Rookie of the Year award, and Owner Glen Taylor was able to get arguably the best coach available on the market in Tom Thibodeau. They finished this past season 31-51, not quite what most fans had hoped for.

Still, those fans are optimistic about the Wolves in 2018 and like their chances to finally end their 13-year playoff drought, and rightfully so.

Karl-Anthony Towns is emerging as one of the top big men in the NBA, Andrew Wiggins continues his development into one of the better two-way players in the game, Ricky Rubio showed great improvement in his shooting this past season, and the team defense should get better under the tutelage of Tom Thibodeau.

Let’s not forget that the Wolves will be getting back Zach LaVine from an ACL injury, and it will be interesting to watch the progress and development of Kris Dunn, who will be entering his second NBA season in 2018.

However, let’s explore five reasons why they could miss the NBA Playoffs for a 14th consecutive season in 2017-2018.