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Will the Timberwolves win more than 50 games?

By Ali Siddiqui

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 27: Justin Patton of the Minnesota Timberwolves is introduced to the media by head coach Tom Thibodeau and GM Scott Layden on June 27, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 27: Justin Patton of the Minnesota Timberwolves is introduced to the media by head coach Tom Thibodeau and GM Scott Layden on June 27, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the roster mostly set, it’s time to consider whether or not the Minnesota Timberwolves will win more than 50 games this season.

Yes, it certainly sounds weird hearing the question of 50 wins posed considering how the past 13 seasons have gone.

Since going 58-24 and advancing to the Western Conference Finals in 2004, the Wolves have not only missed the playoffs in each season, but they have won 40 games or more just twice (44 in 2004-2005 and 40 in 2013-2014).

They went 31-51 last season, but they were just13-32 in games decided by nine points or less. The additions of Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson and Jamal Crawford certainly increase their chances of winning more than 50 games. Plus, this will also be their second season under Tom Thibodeau and youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns have another year under their belts.

They could also land more additions with the veteran minimum. According to Darren Wolfson, they have expressed interest in Tony Allen and Mike Dunleavy Jr. Allen would help their defense and Dunleavy would help their shooting.

The Wolves allowed 106.7 points per game last season, which was 18th in the league. Butler and Gibson will certainly help them in that area, and adding Allen would only help more. Wiggins really struggled on defense, but should improve. Towns’ defense was not as good as everyone expected, he should also improve.

Shooting and the bench were also a weakness last year for the Wolves. They shot 34.9 percent from three-point range (20th in the league). Butler has shot 36.7 percent for his career, Crawford has shot 35 percent and Teague has shot 35.5 percent, while Rubio has shot just 31.5 percent. Old friend Zach Lavine has shot 37.8 percent, but Butler’s defense is much better.

If they can stay healthy, the Timberwolves have a great shot at winning more than 50 games and maybe be the fourth seed in the West, likely behind the Warriors, Spurs and Rockets, who should all be in top three. The Thunder will be in the conversation for the fourth seed with Paul George, but it will be very interesting to see how the pieces fit in Oklahoma City.

Next: DWW Podcast: More Wiggins and Irving Talk...

As always, health and depth will play a big part in the success that the Wolves find this season, but a run at 50 games seems exceedingly likely.