Free agency has slowed considerably, and the Timberwolves were largely left out in the cold when it came to the big (and even second-tier) names.
We all figured it was coming. There were no signs the Wolves would be making a push for any marquee players when free agency opened up on July 1st. My favorite Wolves related anecdote of the craziness of free agency came from Darren Wolfson regarding Al Horford:
(con.) But on Horford, they had no chance. Wife had no interest in Minnesota. Couldn't get a meeting with Durant, etc.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 5, 2016
How hilarious is that? There was no chance the Wolves could sign Al Horford but to hear that his wife allegedly put the kibosh on any meetings with him is just classic Wolves news. (Clearly, Mrs. Horford has never experienced a Minnesota summer.)
If only free agency started during the Minnesota State Fair — the Wolves could definitely hold some convincing meetings next to the Sweet Martha’s cookie stand. Imagine the wonder on Kevin Durant‘s face as he observes a gentleman walking around in camouflaged cargo shorts, a Dale Earnhardt Jr. cut-off tee-shirt, long socks with shower sandals, and a faded neon green fanny pack while simultaneously wolfing down a pronto pup in one hand and a deep-fried candy-bar-on-a-stick in the other.
He would sign with the Wolves in a hot second just for the people-watching opportunities alone.
But alas, no pronto pups for KD (if you’re googling what a pronto pup is here’s a hint: it’s a rich man’s corn dog, and you need to try one). Not even the middle-tiered free agents took a hard look at the Wolves, apparently.
So who’d the Wolves end up with so far? Cole Aldrich and Brandon Rush. My take?
According to the cbcsports.com ranking of top free agents, Cole Aldrich was the 73rd-ranked player and Brandon Rush wasn’t listed in the top-100. Ouch.
So the new Wolves regime either completely struck out or didn’t take a swing at any of the top or middle-tiered free agents. And you know what? I’m okay with that.
Tom Thibodeau and Scott Layden just got to town and haven’t even announced their full staffs (coaching and managerial) yet. They also just drafted a promising player at number-five in Kris Dunn.
Would it really have been beneficial to sign another player or two at the required inflated prices during this year’s free agency? Possibly yes, but maybe not.
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While we’re not sure if it was intentional, I do think it worked out for the best that Thibs will get the opportunity to work with a mostly stabilized young roster in year one. Think about this: Andrew Wiggins & Zach LaVine will be playing for their third coach in three years; Shabazz Muhammad & Gorgui Dieng will be on their fourth coach in four years. Nearly all of the assistant coaches will be new to them as well.
Also, think about all the roster turnover the Wolves have had in the last few years. This team has been a turnstile for mostly past-their-prime veterans (Andre Miller, Tayshaun Prince, Kevin Martin, Corey Brewer, Thad Young, etc.). I think all of the young players will benefit from a stable roster makeup (for once) while adjusting to the new staff and organization.
Plus, here’s another reason why it’s okay the Wolves didn’t bring in any names in free agency: this roster was capable of winning quite a few more games than they won last year. And I’m not alone in thinking this. Why not let Thibs see what he can do with a roster that has one more year of seasoning on it?
There will be plenty of time to evaluate the roster once the season starts and the trade deadline approaches. Maybe Kris Dunn will prove to be an immediate stud and Ricky Rubio will become expendable. Maybe Andrew Wiggins will make the leap and become an All-Star in year three. Maybe KAT will prove to already be a top 10 player. Maybe Shabazz Muhammad will stay in a defensive stance for more than three seconds in a row.
Maybe none of those things will happen and it’ll be clear more reinforcements are needed. Who knows?
One thing is clear: right now there is no need to rush on roster decisions. Big decisions can be made at the trade deadline or, more likely, next summer when the Wolves will have tons of cap space and plenty of players still on their rookie deals.
Next: No Frills Wolves Podcast: Draft, Free Agency, and more...
By this time next year the Wolves might have completely reshaped their perception league wide and become a player for marque free agents. If they accomplish this, they wouldn’t even need pronto pups anymore!