The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t ready to compete with the Golden State Warriors just yet. They have three key holes to fix before contending against the National Champs this season.
It’s no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves have improved their roster this off-season. However, they aren’t done yet. A roster that is mainly composed of Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl-Anthony Towns and company, is not enough to top the Golden State Warriors (just yet).
The Wolves undoubtedly have a talented roster – but there are three areas that they can easily upgrade this off-season. Even after the Butler trade, the Wolves have some flexibility with around $20 million in cap space.
The team recently waived Jordan Hill, allowing the team to free up $4.1 million in cap space. As you can see from Keith Smith – contributor for multiple sports pages including real GM states:
ICYMI: MIN has waived Jordan Hill. He had a fully non-guaranteed contract for 2017-18 at $4.18M. Wolves clearing space for a FA run.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 26, 2017
Reported by ESPN’s Associated Press:
"“The Wolves can create close to $19 million in salary cap room to allow them to pursue free agents when the market opens on Saturday.”"
The Wolves are taking free agency by storm. It seems that they have a lot of players in mind including the likes of Kyle Lowry, Derrick Rose, Paul Millsap and numerous others.
Obviously, it comes at no surprise that the team wants defense and 3-point shooting, as the NBA has really transitioned into a three-point shooting league.
This will be a big off-season as they still have the flexibility to find a veteran that can help out the team – especially the young guys.
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July 1 can’t come soon enough, which is when the new NBA season will “begin”. There has never been a bigger buzz around this team since the 2003-2004 season. A lot of fans starting to take notice and buying season tickets like never before. With free agency looming, they can really knock this one out of the park.
Whether they decide to go after a big household name or not, look to see the team make some more headlines. Possibly meaning trading point guard Ricky Rubio, or even finding the player that will come off the bench and serve a big role.
Some may argue as well that the point guard position is a weakness in the starting lineup. However, Rubio is a great point guard who plays great defense and gets others involved. In truth, the one weakness in his game is his shooting. Rubio may have turned a new leaf last season, averaging 16 points a game shooting on a 35 percent clip from three after the All-Star break.
It will be a fun off-season, as the team is set to be pushing for players.
3. Defense
Minnesota was one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. According to NBA.com, the Wolves had one of the worst defensive ratings – finishing 26th in the league, posting a 109.1. This means that they give up on average for the entire season 109.1 points a game per 100 possessions.
This is not out of the ordinary for young players to struggle defensively in the NBA. It doesn’t help that they have so many young players on the roster.
As we’re all familiar by now with the trade that sent Butler to the Wolves. Specifically, Butler is a great defender and is a major upgrade on that side of the ball.
Zach LaVine was not known for his defense as he was for his ability to score the ball. Furthermore, adding Butler helps not only the team defensively but the possibility for him to teach the younger players as well.
Butler will be suited as the leader of this squad as he used to play for Thibs. Helping the younger guys what is to be expected on plays and show them the ropes.
This is why the Wolves defensive need in free agency ranks third, due to the fact of the addition of Butler.
Just because you add a talented star like Butler who can play both sides of the ball, doesn’t fix all your problems on defense – it only improves it.
They have a few options on the market that could possibly help the team defensively. Those could possibly be Taj Gibson, Tony Snell, Luc Mbah a Moute, Tony Allen, PJ Tucker, and other. Not necessarily saying every defensive free agent or on this list, the Wolves will target, but, they are intriguing options that should be thought about.
Obviously, with money being a big thing and trying to get a lot more for your buck than just one player, the Wolves could be seen targeting Tucker and Gibson the most. As I did explain in my article about five possible free agents Minnesota should sign, I list those two players and give an in-depth look at why.
Mbah a Moute did have a stint with the Wolves, and with the inability to really shoot the ball – he could come cheap. A player like Snell could cost more seeing that he is only 25 and shot the ball at a 40 percent rate. Shooting and defense are something the team needs badly, but like I did say, he may cost more. But, the Wolves should definetly take a look at him because his ability to guard multiple positions and shoot the ball.
There are plenty defensive players on the market that won’t cost you upwards of $15 million. Look to see the Wolves add a player or two that will come in and play the defensive role.
2. 3-Point Shooting
In today’s NBA we are seeing a lot of three point shooters, and team’s using it far to much. You almost have to use the three ball to win games as you can look at it as you can’t trade three points for two.
The chart provided by Basketball Reference clearly shows that the Timberwolves desperately need help in that area. Ranking dead last in three-point attempted at only 21 per game, cashing in on only seven of those.
| Team | 3P | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 7.3 | 21.0 | .349 |
| League Average | 9.7 | 27.0 | .358 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Keep in mind that the Wolves do not have LaVine anymore who chipped on average 2-6 attempts a night. Take him away and the Wolves best 3-point shooter is probably Karl-Anthony towns. Shooting a respectable 36 percent from three.
But many don’t view the Wolves new big three of Wiggins, Butler and KAT as players who are primary 3-point shooters. Sure, they can hit it from deep, but it’s also not where they are most effective.
Finding a player that can shoot three’s is something the team will need to address as one of the main priorities.
Right away the likes of Kyle Korver, J.J. Redick, CJ Miles, PJ Tucker, Kyle Lowry, Patty Mills, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and many other’s come to mind as possible solutions.
Players like Lowry, KCP, Redick will cost a lot of money. Making it not the best option for this team as money will soon be tight when Wiggins and Towns sign their max contracts.
Tucker, Miles, Mills, and Korver could come relatively cheap (compared to the likes of Redick and company.)
It’s been reported that the team has been interested in Lowry and Tucker. Mitch Lawrence delivered the news, stating that the team is targeting Lowry.
Now with Jimmy Butler, T-wolves think they can upgrade PG in free agency. Targeting Kyle Lowry first, then Jrue Holiday, J Teague and G Hill
— Mitch Lawrence (@Mitch_Lawrence) June 23, 2017
Both Tucker and Lowry are reliable from deep (both shot over 40%) and can play lockdown defense. Tucker would be a better add just because he is a cheaper option for the team. Adding Lowry would cause an even bigger burden on the depth situation. As well as Rubio can certainly start for the team, especailly with everything he does to help the team.
The team will undoubtedly go out and grab 3-point shooters. Without LaVine on the team, the Wolves are digging themselves in a deeper hole in that aspect.
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.