The Minnesota Timberwolves need a second starting lineup for bigger teams

The Solution

The simple solution for Minnesota would be to add a second starting lineup to use against two-big teams where Covington is bumped down to the small forward position in favor of a second big and Okogie returns to the bench.

When the Wolves go up against two-big starting lineups, giving one of their offseason additions more minutes next to KAT could go a long way.

Optimal rotation against bigger lineups:

Starters:

PG: Andrew Wiggins (33 minutes)

SG: Jarrett Culver (21 minutes)

SF: Robert Covington (29 minutes)

PF: Jordan Bell (24 minutes)

C: Karl-Anthony Towns (34 minutes)

Bench:

PG: Jeff Teague (20 minutes)

SG: Shabazz Napier (16 minutes)

SF: Josh Okogie (21 minutes)

PF: Keita Bates-Diop (16 minutes)

C: Gorgui Dieng (15 minutes)

PF/C: Naz Reid (11 minutes)

The Explanation:

Let’s highlight the new addition to the starting lineup, former Golden State Warrior Jordan Bell.

While he hasn’t put up the biggest numbers so far in Minnesota, averaging 3.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in only 10 minutes per contest, Bell’s per-36 minute numbers tell the real story about Bell that has always been obvious when using the eye-test.

From his time as an Oregon Duck to his tenure in Golden State to now, basketball fans who spend some time watching Bell always point out his relentless motor on the glass, bouncy athleticism, and strength.

This has translated well for Bell, as he’s currently averaging 12.2 total rebounds with 3.8 offensive rebounds per-36 minutes this season. For comparison, KAT is averaging 12.4 rebounds per-36, while Covington is at 6.8 with 0.9 offensive rebounds per-36 minutes so far this year.

In addition to the help that Bell would immediately bring on the glass for Minnesota, his offensive rating is absolutely elite this year when paired with the Wolves’ cornerstone players.

The lineup combination of Bell and KAT is currently the top two-man combination in terms of offensive rating in the NBA (126.5) amongst players who have played more than 90 minutes together this season.

Bell has developed into a skilled and willing passer throughout his NBA career, which helps him play extremely well next to scorers like KAT and Wiggins. The KAT/Wiggs/Bell trio has a +24 net rating in their 30 minutes on the floor together this season.

In fact, Bell is currently a member of six of the Wolves’ seven top two-man lineup combinations in terms of offensive rating. If he hasn’t already made the case for more playing time, I’m not sure what else the front office is looking for from the third-year big man.

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To briefly touch on the other notable rotation decisions made:

• While Jarrett Culver has struggled mightily with his shot throughout his rookie season, the potential starting lineup including Wiggins, RoCo, Bell, and KAT needs another ball handler. While Okogie’s handles have improved from his rookie year, Culver is still a better playmaker and can handle secondary playmaking duties next to Wiggins.
• Naz Reid’s addition to the roster is based on his strong performance in the G League this season and a potential terrific fit next to KAT in the frontcourt. As another floor spacer and rebounder, Naz could bring another dimension to the Wolves’ rotation that could really help them. He should at least get a shot at earning some playing time until Jake Layman is 100% healed from his ongoing toe injury.
• Finally, moving Robert Covington down to the small forward position should be extremely beneficial for a struggling Minnesota defense. RoCo is a bonafide stud as a perimeter defender, possibly the best in the league, and being able to get back to guarding wings on the perimeter instead of 7-foot monsters in the post should be a welcome sight for both fans and Covington himself.

In conclusion, Ryan Saunders should be more flexible with his starting lineups depending on the matchup, and the Wolves have the requisite personnel to switch it up when the matchup calls for it.