Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 bold predictions for preseason

3. Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns gel right away.

One of the major keys to the Timberwolves season is for their two star players to gel on the floor.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Each of these guys is a great player in their own right, but it’s critical for them to morph their skills and play off one another if they want to take a big leap this season. Look at teams like the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs excel because their players mesh well together.

I’m sure Butler and Towns will have studied each other’s tape to see where the other likes the ball on the floor. This is probably more important for Butler as we will unquestionably see some Butler-Towns pick-and-rolls as the season wears on.

However, Towns must also be aware of where his lead playmaker likes the ball. Hint: his hot spot is on the right wing. This will help both players excel, as they will know where to find each other in a pinch.

Obviously, the more they play together the more comfortable they’ll become. However, it’s still critical for them to start on the right foot this preseason.