Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves fans have plenty to be thankful for in 2019-20

By Ian Kasdan

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves smiles before the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves smiles before the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Gersson Rosas, Ryan Saunders
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 21: President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas and Head Coach Ryan Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Embracing the modern age

Upon his hiring as the new President of Basketball Ops following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, many wondered what Gersson Rosas’ approach would be to bring the Wolves back to basketball relevance. Following the first month of his first month at the helm, it is easy to discern Rosas’ vision for his quintessential team.

This vision includes an offense that is based around pace and 3-pointers, a defense that encourages switchability, and a roster built around as much star talent as possible.

In Houston, Rosas worked alongside Rockets GM Darryl Morey to build a roster that could execute such a system, and although Rosas has yet to find a star guard to pair with Towns, he has already begun working with Saunders to begin implementing his system.

Through 16 games, the Wolves are second in the league in pace at 105.56 and third in the league in 3’s attempted per game at 39.8, per NBA Stats.

Although they have practiced the style of play that Rosas has preached since his arrival, the current roster is simply not yet built for efficiency in this system. With a roster lacking effective shooters in a system that encourages layups, 3’s, and free throws, the current Wolves season will be handcuffed by this negative correlation.

The worst offender to demonstrate this correlation has been Treveon Graham. Starting 14 of his 15 games this season because of his effort and defensive strengths, Graham has a true shooting percentage of 41 percent, which includes his 18 percent 3-point shooting on 3.3 attempts per game.

But, although the team’s success will likely suffer because of adaptation of style, the organization’s embrace of this new style of play should be celebrated.

Gone are the days of Thibodeau bellowing out orders for an isolation mid-range jumper. Gone are the days of a team lacking pace despite featuring some of the greatest athletes in Wolves history in Wiggins, Towns, and Zach LaVine.

Finally, the Wolves have begun a new era in Minnesota based around the style of the modern NBA. As Rosas continues to build a roster that can effectively run this system, he may not have to look far for his second star.

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