Minnesota Timberwolves Lineup: 3 options for 2021-22 starting five

Minnesota Timberwolves Lineup Combination No. 3

G: D’Angelo Russell
G: Malik Beasley
G/F: Anthony Edwards
F: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Karl-Anthony Towns

This lineup is contingent on Jarred Vanderbilt re-signing in restricted free agency, but it sure seems as though things are still moving in that direction even if they are not yet done.

Depending on what the Wolves coaching staff thinks of McDaniels’ progress as a higher-usage offensive player, this potential lineup maintains the length, athleticism, and most of the defensive versatility of Lineup No. 1.

Swapping out Vanderbilt for McDaniels improves the rebounding and toughness of the first unit and also gives it just a bit more size. What it takes away on defense, however, is flexibility.

McDaniels can legitimately guard three positions as a plus defender and guard all five spots in a pinch. Vanderbilt is probably only a plus defender when guarding 4s with slightly above-average ability switching onto 3s and 5s. But he was put on skates in the backcourt more than once last season, and his ability to move laterally isn’t quite on par with McDaniels.

But rebounding has been a major issue for the Wolves in recent years, and this lineup would pair the team’s two best boardsmen together in the same group.

It also would allow McDaniels to spend more time developing his offensive game and becoming more of a distributor and scorer instead of a spot-up shooter. McDaniels would run with veteran scorer Patrick Beverley and could play the 3 or the 4 alongside Taurean Prince.

McDaniels would likely still be part of a closing lineup, as his shooting would be preferred to Vanderbilt’s poor hands and non-existent offensive game. But the energy and edge that Vanderbilt plays with would be valuable for stretches and McDaniels’ well-rounded game would be an asset to the bench unit.

To be sure, head coach Chris Finch is going to have several options at his disposal. The Wolves have as talented and versatile of a roster as they’ve had in some time. Now, it’s up to the coaching staff to develop the talent and it’s up to the players to come through.