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Minnesota Timberwolves free agency: Areas of Needs

By Andrew Neururer

Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Dwyane Wade (3)attempt to steal the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Dwyane Wade (3)attempt to steal the ball from Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

1. Depth

Whether it was the inability to finish games due to inexperience or the lack of depth, or even a little bit of both. The Timberwolves biggest weakness was their depth.

Their bench ranked dead last with 22.8 points a night and it wasn’t even a close race. The closest team in terms of poor bench scoring was the Washington Wizards with 27 points.

Not to mention restricted free agent Shabazz Muhammad contributed to almost half of that, scoring an average of 9.9 points a game. If the Wolves do not retain him, they are looking at an abysmal of a bench. With the bench being composed of Bjelica, Jones, Aldrich and newly draft pick Justin Patton.

There really isn’t much to the puzzle other than the wolves need to upgrade it in a hurry if they want fresh legs, and production for when the starters are getting a breather. If the bench can’t produce it causes the team to fall behind, bringing in fatigued starters, allowing each game to slip away.

Adding three point shooters and defensive players will certainly be a huge addition to the depth problem.

Every position could use depth, as the bench for the Wolves is nothing to get excited about. In particular, an area for concern is the point guard position and wing depth.

Behind Butler and Wiggins, there isn’t a player on the team that can fill that role. Unless you resign Rush and Muhammad. But even then you’re not really benefiting the team.

The Wolves certainly could find better replacements for them like Waiters, Hardaway Jr., Tucker, Snell, and many others.

The other area for concern is the point guard position. Rubio does fill the starting role nicely with this team. But, behind him there isn’t much depth. Can the Wolves feel comfortable with Tyus Jones backing up Rubio, or even starting if he goes down? It’s no secret that Rubio gets hurt a lot, only playing one full season in his entire career back in 2013-2014.

Jones was efficient coming in, hitting a clutch shot against Toronto late in the game, and even showing a drive to play hard. But he isn’t a starting point guard caliber. If Minnesota could find another veteran backup as insurance, it would go a long way.

The Wolves could look into some cheap options like Shelvin Mack, Michael Carter-Williams, Deron Williams, and others.

Next: Timberwolves new championship timeline

The Wolves have three main holes to fix this offseason. It will be a busy one without a doubt. Come July 1, the team will be making headlines.