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Minnesota Timberwolves: Who’s Up and Who’s Down a review of Tom Thibedeau and starting five performance.

By Ken Bradley

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts with Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 1, 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. Minnesota won the game 104 -98. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts with Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 1, 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. Minnesota won the game 104 -98. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Conclusion

Tom Thibodeau replaced three Timberwolves starters while retaining Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns from last seasons roster. He traded away significant assets to bring in 28-year old Jimmy Butler who is an All-Star and All-Defensive Team to bring leadership and guidance to the team. He traded Ricky Rubio for a draft pick and signed 29-year old Jeff Teague to a three-year $57 million contract. He signed 32-year old Taj Gibson to a two-year $28 million contract.

Thibedeau made significant moves that reshape the team to ensure they’ll be poised for the playoffs for years to come. It’s hard to argue many of the moves have been wrong as the Twolves should be headed to the playoffs, the first time in more than a decade.

He’s been criticized for playing players too many minutes, and yet surprisingly, it’s the oldest players that have seen the most significant increases in minutes. They’ve appeared to thrive with the additional minutes and increased responsibility and so has the team. It’s more concerning he’s not seen as much improvement from Wiggins whose garnering a significant part of the Wolves salary cap space over the next five years.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves 2018 NBA Draft big board 1.0

President of Basketball Operations Tom Thibedeau get’s the credit for the decision to bring in veterans and the win-loss improvements they’ve provided. When the season ends, he can discuss with Tom Thibedeau the coach for any lack of development of younger players.  For the most part, the Timberwolves starting five performance is up and headed in the right direction.

Next Week: Minnesota Timberwolves Bench Players: Who’s Up and Who’s Down a review of Tom Thibedeau and players performance.

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