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5 keys for the Timberwolves to clinch a top-3 playoff seed

By Adam Ziobrowski

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, MN – JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, MN – JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jimmy Butler (and other veterans) contribute

The most crucial element to the Wolves finishing as the two or three seed is the veterans. And not just how well they play, but also how well they help develop and mature the young players.

Jimmy Butler brings with him all sorts of excitement. For one, he is a superstar on a league level, not just on the team. Secondly, he is an immediate fix on defense and will help groom the young players into defensive monsters. Third-year guard Tyus Jones may not be as athletic as Butler and Wiggins, but he can still shadow him and become an efficient defender.

Jamal Crawford adds much-needed three-point help, which we’ll revisit shortly. Taj Gibson brings with him a big body to battle down low; he finished 13th among power forwards last season with a 2.2 DRPM. Between him and Gorgui Dieng, the Wolves will have a much improved frontcourt.

Jeff Teague is a more dynamic and explosive guard than former point guard Ricky Rubio was. Teague is an obvious offensive upgrade while bringing with him defensive potential. His athleticism will definitely fit in on both sides of the ball.

The main goal is for the mix of youth and veterans to mesh together well. Nothing will matter unless they can collectively play well together. From that point forward, it is finding the proper rotations while maturing the young players.

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