Dunking With Wolves
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How does Timberwolves’ Big 3 rank in Northwest Division?

By Max Neuhaus

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) /
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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 19: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 19: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic

The one team without a big offseason addition comes in at #3.

Portland had their most substantial move during the season last year, sending Mason Plumlee and a second-round pick in exchange for, in my opinion, the third-best player on their squad as well as a first-round selection.

Adding that big man to one of the best guard tandems in the NBA in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum gives you a dangerous team.

If I had to start a team and could pick any point guard, I would go with Lillard. Just seeing his combination of being able to finish inside and outside as well as his clutch gene makes me gravitate his way. Plus, having a point guardwho can be a vocal leader and show energy on the court is also a plus.

The perennial All-Star snub has turned up his play as well, turning in his career high in points (27) and rebounds (4.9) per game last season. He also had his personal high in effective field goal percentage at .516.

His running mate in the backcourt is no slouch, either. C.J. McCollum increased his averages in almost every category last season except for the one you don’t want to see an increase in: turnovers. A big number you love to see, however, is 3-point percentage. His 42 percent is a great sign in a league where the 3-ball is critical. Timberwolves fans know the skill level off McCollum all too well…

Former Denver Nugget Jusuf Nurkic rounds out the Portland Big Three. Before he broke his leg, he seemed to be the missing link to take the Blazers to the next level. The Bosnian Beast, as he has been coined by fans, played 20 games for the Blazers and averaged 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds.

With a full season of those three, Portland should be in a good spot come playoff time.

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