Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves playtype dissection

By Brian Sampson

Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 30: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on October 30, 2017 in Miami Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 30: Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on October 30, 2017 in Miami Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Transition

With all the athletes on the Timberwolves roster, transition offense feels like it should be a strength of the team which is why it is.

Minnesota averages the eighth most points per possession (PPP) at 1.12. Unfortunately, their 13.1 transition possessions per game ranks 25th in the league and most of their buckets are of the two-point variety which means their14.6 points per game ranks 22nd. When you add all of this up, they would definitely benefit from getting out and running a lot more frequently. And I mean a lot.

Andrew Wiggins

and

Karl-Anthony Towns

lead the way in this department by averaging 1.38 PPP and 1.33 respectively. Traditionally, this has been

Shabazz Muhammad

‘s strength but he’s only averaging a measely 0.95 PPP after averaging 1.26 last season.

transition
transition /

I also expect to see Jimmy Butler‘s numbers come up a bit, as he was one of the best players in transition last season. His combination of strength and agility make for a nightmare cover on the open floor.

This play is made extremely easy by Butler’s defensive prowess, however, he still needs to finish at the end. His euro-step isn’t the quickest or flashiest, but it consistently works because of Butler’s strength to fight through what little contact the defender offers.

I’m not sure it will happen this season, but if Minnesota can push the ball more off missed shots, they should be able to increase the number of easy opportunities they get before the defense can get set.

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