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3 things on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ holiday wishlist

By Andrew Neururer

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 29: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 29: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

1. Defense

Perhaps the biggest wish on every Wolves fans Christmas list — including the players.

Night-in and night-out, Minnesota cannot figure things out when it comes to defense. Could it be Tom Thibodeau? Or the players just not having the ability to play defense? To the players’ defense, they have been showing strides of improvement. But, it can’t just be one game, it has to be every game. If they expect to win and make the playoffs, then things need to improve.

According to NBA.com, the Wolves rank 25th in the NBA in defensive rating at 108. However, they have one of the best offenses in the league with their offensive rating ranking fifth (108.6).

Imagine what they could do if their defense was top-15 in the league? They would easily have an improved record and look like a completely different team. Gibson and Butler are both great defenders, and they simply need their teammates to rise to their level.

Wiggins shows glimpses of what he can be, and it’s a lot of fun. To this point in the season, he is averaging 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. Dating back to Nov. 19 against the Detroit Pistons, we have seen him notch a block or two a game — a stretch of six straight games. He has done a lot better sniffing out steals, too, but still gets lost at times.

More often than not, it’s been Towns with poor defense this season, and it’s often attributable to lack of effort. One could make the argument that he is the Wolves worst defender that plays consistently (not including Muhammad, who no longer plays regularly). According to NBA.com, Towns currently has a 108.8 defensive rating, good for seventh on the roster.

Next: The frustration that is Tom Thibodeau's stubbornness...

Holiday season is in full swing, and it’s time to start our Christmas wishlist. These three things should be at the top of each and every Timberwolves fan’s list.

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