Dunking With Wolves
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The Minnesota Timberwolves need a third option on offense

By Andrew Neururer

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 30: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 30, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 30: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 30, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled to find offensive production when Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins have been on the bench this season, and that problem needs to be fixed in order to make a playoff run.

The Minnesota Timberwolves started the season out strong sitting at 10-8 before going on a recent five-game losing streak. The injuries the team have suffered this season hasn’t helped, but they’re going to need to find a third option on offense if they want to get back to their winning ways.

Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 26.1 points per game while Andrew Wiggins is dropping 24.5. The team is averaging 114.6 points per game, which means Towns and Wiggins are scoring 44.1 percent of the Wolves’ points.

Jeff Teague and Robert Covington are the next two players on the list and that comes at no surprise. However, Teague has been largely underwhelming this season and having him as the third scoring option is not ideal.

For as good as Robert Covington is in the coveted three-and-D role, he’s largely a guy who gets most of his points off of assists as a spot-up shooter.

The Wolves are having a tough time finding scoring options when either Wiggins or Towns are off the floor. Having players like Jarrett Culver, Josh Okogie, Treveon Graham, Gorgui Dieng, Shabazz Napier and Keita Bates-Diop handle the rest of the offense has led to Minnesota’s recent skid.

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When Wiggins is off the court, the team’s offensive rating is 100.2 points per 100 possessions. And when Towns is off the court, Minnesota has an offensive rating of 95.8.

Minnesota needs to find a player that can come in and be the third option to prevent the Wolves’ offense from falling silent during those minutes.

The obvious name to think about is D’Angelo Russell because of how hard the team pursued him in the offseason. Having a big three of Towns, Wiggins, and Russell would help shore up any offensive issues by making sure there’s always go-to guy on the floor.

There could be other names to look at before the trade deadline, but it’s going to be difficult for the front office to make a move considering their salary cap situation. If Minnesota makes a move come February, a lot of that depends on fit and building around the window the Wolves have to succeed with Towns and Wiggins.

Next. 3 shooters the Timberwolves should target via trade. dark

For now, Minnesota needs to look into getting a player that can help the team out on offense to help take some of the load of KAT and Andrew’s shoulders.

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