3 things the Minnesota Timberwolves need to do when the NBA returns

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: Jordan McLaughlin #6 and Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shake hands before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center on February 8, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 08: Jordan McLaughlin #6 and Malik Beasley #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shake hands before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center on February 8, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Minnesota Timberwolves, Ryan Saunders, D'Angelo Russell
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 03: D’Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to Ryan Saunders against the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Although the Minnesota Timberwolves’ infrastructure has vastly improved over the last several weeks, the team must make necessary changes in order for fans to realistically give credence to a brighter future.

There is no arguing that the Minnesota Timberwolves are in a much better place than they were at the start of February.

Since the trades, Minnesota is fourth in scoring at 121.5 points per game, tied for third in made 3-pointers per game at 14.9, fourth in free throws attempted per game at 25.5, and plays the fastest pace of any team in the league.

Fan interest and social engagement is the highest it has been since Jimmy Butler took the Wolves to the playoffs back in 2018 (which feels like ages ago) and the team is legitimately fun to watch.

It has been remarkable to see Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas put on a master class performance  in team-rebuilding on the fly and Wolves faithful has responded appropriately, with increased attendance and general excitement about the future that is in store for the franchise.

Between the team announcing new deals for season tickets in 2020-21, which should surely get more fans in the seats, and a far more visually appealing style of play, the Timberwolves front office is doing an excellent job at stimulating positive buzz around the franchise, regardless of what national pundits project the future of the team to be.

Despite finding of the backcourt of the future in D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley, as well as a rock-solid rotational piece in Juan Hernangomez, and a key vocal leader on and off the floor in James Johnson, the Wolves still find themselves needing to answer some crucial questions in the final 21 games of the season.

Let’s dive right in and take a look at three things the Wolves need to do as soon as basketball is back.