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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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Nov 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2.  The Western Conference is still loaded with really good teams.

I know you are familiar with the Golden State Warriors.

How about Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs?

Or how about James Harden and the Houston Rockets who can spread five shooters around the perimeter and easily put up 120 points on any given night?

I definitely don’t see any of those three teams falling out of the playoff picture in 2018.

Same could be said about the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz.

That leaves potentially two spots open in the West in 2018.

The Timberwolves would be battling with the Los Angeles Clippers, who’s future appears to be up in the air at the moment after their recent first round loss to the Jazz.

Then you have to look at some of the other young, up and coming teams in the West such as the Portland Trailblazers (who made the playoffs this year, by the way), the Denver Nuggets (who almost made the playoffs this year), the New Orleans Pelicans (who added DeMarcus Cousins to Anthony Davis), and the Los Angeles Lakers, who always seem to be just one superstar away from being a legitimate title contender again.

I’m not saying it isn’t possible, but the Timberwolves certainly have their work cut out for them in 2018 if they want to reach the postseason.