Minnesota Timberwolves: Top defensive lineup

As the Minnesota Timberwolves come off a disappointing defensive year, here is their best defensive lineup for the 2017-18 season.

Everyone knows the phrase “defense wins championships.” Although it was coined by a football coach, it applies all across the board.

The Boston Celtics of the 1960’s, who were led by one of the best shot blockers of all-time, Bill Russell, won nine out of ten NBA titles by dominating every team on defense.

Many were disappointed by the first year of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ new and improved defense under Tom Thibodeau. They finished the season with a defensive rating of 109.1, which was only good enough for 26th in the league. This was very uncharacteristic of a Thibodeau-coached team, but improvement is expected this upcoming season.

In a busy offseason, many personnel moves were made that bolstered the defensive side of the ball for the Wolves.

Whether it was getting rid of players holding down the rest of the team or adding fresh faces who can add solidarity to the defensive ranks, Minnesota has the looks of a team that is poised to have a breakout defensive season.

Here is their best defensive lineup for the upcoming year.