Minnesota Timberwolves vs Golden State Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves may have cemented themselves as a strong playoff contender with some big moves this offseason, but is it enough to give us any chance of taking on the Golden State Warriors, both in the regular season and the Finals?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have shed some players this offseason and gained some others for their new-look 2017-18 season. Gone are Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and a number of
Gone are Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and a number of free agents, but newcomers Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson, Jamal Crawford and draft pick Justin Patton have joined the pack, and the Timberwolves are looking a whole lot better for it.
Minnesota is taking on a new identity this season, as Tom Thibodeau is adopting a ‘win-now’ mentality, but with the Golden State Warriors sitting atop the throne of both the Western Conference and the entire NBA, the Timberwolves won’t have an easy path to glory.
So do the Timberwolves have any real chance?
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Firstly, in looking at the back court, Golden State has the advantage. The tried and trusted duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have combined for two championships and another finals appearance, and the splash brothers are still knocking down shots despite less efficiency.
We’ve never seen our new back court in combination, and whether Thibs chooses Andrew Wiggins or Jimmy Butler for the shooting guard role, they’re going to need some time to adjust to Jeff Teague at point guard before we kick into a rhythm. One season of familiarity will be tough to compete against a Warriors core that has stuck together for years.
There lies the Timberwolves second problem – familiarity.
The Timberwolves have undergone a complete change this offseason, and while that will (hopefully) work wonders for our bench, our starters may need some time to gel. Depending which way the power-forward position swings between Gibson and Dieng, the Timberwolves could have three new starters on the court, leaving just Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns in tune with each other.
Of course, teams undergo change all the time, but the Timberwolves’ changes have been so drastic this offseason, theres a chance they might misfire.
Thibs has brought in Butler and Gibson, players he’s coached in the past, to best try and avoid this situation. They’re used to his coaching style so the change in scenery and climate might not affect their game as much as some other newbies, but that’s yet to be seen.
My real concern lies in the young Timberwolves who’ve never experienced anything else. Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins have been Timberwolves from the night they were drafted (even if one was through trade), and have only played with a young, developing core. While both of these players are top-tier NBA stars, they mightn’t adjust to this radical change as quickly or as well as some are hoping.
Against some lower-caliber teams, they will have time and space to gel and work off each other, but when you’re up against the powerhouse that is the Golden State Warriors, they won’t allow you any space.
While I hate to say it, I don’t think this year is the year for the Timberwolves to take down the Warriors. Everything is just too new and fresh, and our young stars are still developing. With this year to gel together, and experience some playoff competition, next year should be the year the Timberwolves start their championship hunt.
I won’t be surprised to see the Timberwolves and Warriors split the regular season series this year, and should we meet in the playoffs, the Timberwolves might be able to steal a game or two. Next year is where the competition will get real, as the Timberwolves compete for a championship.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for Jimmy Butler
Golden State is the clear favourites on paper. Their experience, history and familiarity with each other and the coach are very strong assets that give them a huge advantage. But don’t rule out the new era of the Timberwolves. They may be fresh, but the Timberwolves are hungry for a championship, and we’re coming for it.