Could adding a 3-point shooter fix the Timberwolves’ early season woes?

We’re  six games into the season, and there have already been a few glaring issues with the Timberwolves. Could adding a 3-point sharpshooter fix some of these problems?

Not many people expected this new, re-imagined Minnesota Timberwolves team to come out and under-perform.

It’s a season in which many anticipated it to be a big year. It’s only been five games, of course, and there is obviously a lot of time to fix these issues, as the season is still young. Sure, it hurts any team to lose a star player like Jimmy Butler, as the Wolves did for a pair of blowout losses, but it feels like there is more missing then just that.

Maybe it’s because there is too many new faces and the chemistry is still off? Anyone can assess that defense is still quite poor, but hopefully that will correct with time.

One thing that is easily noticed has been the lack of effort on defense, and overall on-court chemistry. But one topic of discussion is still the inability to shoot 3-pointers. Last season, it was a big issue, as the Wolves ranked dead last in the league in 3-point makes per game.

According to ESPN.com, Minnesota ranks 23rd in the league in three pointers made. In five games, they have made 8.5 shots per game while attempting 22.8 per contest. The sample size is small, but it is something to keep an eye on going forward.

Again, it’s early, but you can clearly see that the teams that are making threes are winning games. Here are a few examples:

• Orlando Magic (3-1): 12.8 made/28.0 attempted
• Brooklyn Nets (3-2): 12.0 made/33.4 attempted
• Houston Rockets (4-1): 11.8 made/42.0 attempted
• Los Angeles Clippers (3-0): 11.3 made/29.3 attempted
• Portland Trailblazers (3-1): 11.0 made/25.0 attempted
• Golden State Warriors (3-2): 14.6 made/ 34.8 attempted

I don’t think many people expected teams like the Magic and the Nets to be coming out of the gates this strong. For one, they both were able to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers — not an easy feat.

I’m sure no one one is surprised by the fact that the Houston Rockets are one of the top 3-point shooting teams, or that they have attempted a league high 42 long-balls per game. But these six teams are ranked in the top-10 shooting wise, and have some of the best records in the NBA so far.

In today’s day in age, the 3-ball is an absolute must. Is this a reason as to why the Wolves have struggled more than expected? Maybe. Not only does adding a 3-point shooter improve floor spacing and allow slashers like Andrew Wiggins, Shabazz Muhammad and Butler to get to the rim a lot more fluidly, but it can bring your team back into games when trailing.

In the two debacles against the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons, Minnesota could have used help in that department, to say the least. A lot contributed to the huge deficits, but it was primarily defense and 3-point shooting. For the sake of the article, we’re going to continue to just look at the 3-pointers, or lack thereof.

In Tuesday’s loss to the Pacers:
– Minnesota: 9 made/ 24 attempted, 37.5 percent
– Indiana: 10 made/ 22 attempted 45.5 percent

In Wednesday’s loss to the Pistons:
– Minnesota: 9 made/25 attempted, 36.0 percent
– Detroit: 15 made/34 attempted, 44.1 percent

In these two games alone, you can understand why Minnesota fell behind. It’s so hard to keep up with teams that are making threes, and not only that, it’s also harder to get back in games when you lack dominate 3-point shooting.

Lastly, teams understand that Minnesota does not have a strong 3-point shooter. In turn, opponents will pack the paint and make the Wolves shoot the ball. If they were able to add a shooter, they could stretch the defense and keep them honest. Minnesota is not able to do this with anyone on their team, for the most part, as a group of average 3-point shooters doesn’t necessarily have the same effect.

The Timberwolves could either  play the season out and pick someone up during the offseason, or they can trade for a player before February’s deadline. They could dangle their lottery-protected first round pick, and maybe Cole Aldrich, depending on the trade partner.

Next: What does Jimmy Butler's presence do for the Wolves?

It remains to be seen as to what they need to be doing to fix these issues before it’s too late. Not many people expected it to be this ugly, this early. Let’s hope for a big turnaround in short order — and some additional shooting could help in a big way.