Who will be on the floor during crunch time for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2017-18 season? Tom Thibodeau has a ton of new options. What lineup gives this team the best options to succeed?
Tom Thibodeau is known for substituting offense for defense at every dead ball late in games. In this scenario let’s assume that he finds a group of five that he locks into and is consistently putting on the floor late in the fourth quarter. What group is the most lethal blend of offensive efficiency, yet, has the potential to get consecutive defensive stops?
Backcourt: Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Crawford
Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins are clearly going to play when the game is in the balance. Butler, a two-time All-Star will likely be given the role of primary ball-handler. He has experience running the point and Thibodeau will trust his late-game decision-making abilities.
Wiggins, the former first overall pick and blossoming superstar, is sure to get late game responsibilities as well. His ability to play with or without the ball will prove to be vital this season. Look for the former Jayhawk to continue to get touches in the post as well when the game slows down. His fadeaway jumper will be a huge asset when points are hard to come by in crunch time.
More from Dunking with Wolves
- The dream starting 5 for Minnesota Timberwolves 5 years from now
- Anthony Edwards’ latest accolade is a great sign of things to come
- In an OT thriller, Team Canada snatches Bronze from Team USA
- Timberwolves start, bench, cut: Mike Conley, Shake Milton, Jordan McLaughlin
- Which Timberwolves roster additions have upgraded the bench?
The obvious omission here is Jeff Teague. While Crawford hasn’t had his most efficient 3-point shooting seasons as of late, Thibodeau will look to the former Sixth Man of the Year award winner to space the floor. Crawford may not be a huge upgrade defensively over Teague, but Butler and Wiggins can guard the top two opposing guards, leaving Crawford’s defensive role less crucial. He’s also more than comfortable with primary ball-handling roles and is a more than capable playmaker. Look for him to play a similar role to that of Kyle Korver of the 2009-10 Chicago Bulls who were coached by Thibodeau.
Frontcourt: Karl-Anthony Towns, Taj Gibson
The no-brainer of the group is Towns. The former Kentucky Wildcat will be the focal point of the Timberwolves’ late-game offense. Expect Butler and Towns to run a plethora of pick-and-roll to initiate the offense. The ability of Towns to be a dangerous pick-and-pop player as well as a threat on the roll should leave defenses in a tricky conundrum. Thibodeau also has the option to call plays in the post for his franchise center. Add Towns’ ability to be a play-maker for his teammates and it’s clear he is the most important piece to late-game success for this squad.
Taj Gibson is going to close games at the four spot. It’s possible Gorgi Dieng could push Gibson for these critical minutes. Dieng gives the team the option of adding more floor spacing and fast-break potential. Ultimately, Thibodeau is going to want Gibson in the game for his ability to rebound at both ends and for his defensive prowess. Gibson will likely be given the task of guarding the opponents best frontcourt player. If teams elect to put the former Chicago Bull in pick and roll situations, he has proven throughout his career to be up to the task. Offensively, Gibson may seem like a liability, but will likely be used to set screens and scrap around the rim.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 things to know about Karl-Anthony Towns
Conclusion
Coach Thibodeau will have plenty of options when it comes to late-game rotation options. Throughout the season he can mix and match lineups to try and find the perfect dynamic. Ultimately Crawford, Wiggins, Butler, Towns and Gibson will turn into the bunch Thibodeau entrusts to win games when the clock is nearing zero.