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Timberwolves off-season roster power rankings

By Christian Anton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 10: Free Agent signees Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson of the MInnesota Timberwolves are introduced to the media by Tom Thibodeau, President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach and Scott Layden, General Manager, on July 10, 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 – JULY 10: Free Agent signees Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson of the MInnesota Timberwolves are introduced to the media by Tom Thibodeau, President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach and Scott Layden, General Manager, on July 10, 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) /

6. Taj Gibson

Yes, his new jersey number will be #67. A bit out there, but I’m okay with it.

Taj Gibson is a veteran Tom Thibodeau player.  Anyone who follows the Timberwolves knows that Taj has been rumored to join the franchise for a while now. Reason being, of course, that Thibodeau loves using this guy on the court. And for good reason, too.

On paper, many people will wonder why I have Taj higher than Jamal Crawford, but that is because of how much Thibodeau will be using him on and off the court.

Taj Gibson has always put up average scoring numbers with 9.4 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game over the course of his career. However, it is what he gives the team off the court as well that will make him such as asset.

Gibson was a key role player on the successful Chicago Bulls teams of a few years ago. Those years were where Thibodeau showed how stifling his style of defense could be. Having a guy like Taj in the locker room will help the young guys buy into this system on the court as well.

The friendship between Jimmy Butler and Gibson is one that can help lead both by example on and off the court this next year. Look for Gibson to both start games and come off the bench depending on how the year goes. Gibson is a stifling defender who will bring a level of hustle needed by every team looking to contend in the NBA.

Depending on what Thibodeau does with his lineups, I expect to see Gibson be a starter for about half of the games this next season. If needed, he could also be a very valuable player coming in with the second unit.

On top of everything else, he will provide competition for the next guy on our list…