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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 /
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Dec 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jordan Hill (27) talks with guard Tyus Jones (1) and guard Brandon Rush (4) during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 125-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jordan Hill (27) talks with guard Tyus Jones (1) and guard Brandon Rush (4) during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 125-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Timberwolves aren’t able to improve their bench depth.

One of the biggest negatives about Tom Thibodeau from his coaching days with the Chicago Bulls was that he relied too much on his starters.

He would play them heavy minutes each game and eventually, it caused some of the players to get worn down.

Wolves fans saw first hand this past season a similar result as Towns, Wiggins and LaVine all averaged at least 37 minutes per game.

No players across the entire league played more minutes this season that Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, as they were first and second, respectively.

Part of that was because the Timberwolves didn’t get a lot of production from their bench on a consistent basis, as no player averaged more than 10 points per game off the bench.

Shabazz Muhammad was the closest at 9.9 points per game, and he is a restricted free agent this summer.

Ideally, the Timberwolves should be looking to add a starting caliber power forward next to Towns that allows Gorgui Dieng to move to the bench.

They should also be looking to add a couple of 3-point shooters to help space the floor.

If they aren’t able to attract the right pieces in free agency and the draft, the Timberwolves will have a hard time ending their playoff drought.