Examining 3 potential Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineups

When the Minnesota Timberwolves take the floor for their season opener in less than three weeks, they’ll be boasting one of the most talented rosters in the entire NBA. With a multitude of talent at their disposal, they’ll have a chance to finish with one of the best records in the Western Conference.

Several All-Star caliber players will be presumptive starters, and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year will be anchoring the defense. From top to bottom, the Timberwolves will be a force to be reckoned with.

With so much talent in the mix for playing time, who will be the day one starters in Minnesota? The answer may seem obvious, but there’s a few different routes the Timberwolves could end up going. Let’s take a look.

1. Russell, Edwards, McDaniels, Towns, Gobert

This starting lineup seems like the most likely scenario for Minnesota. D’Angelo Russell takes the reigns at point guard with Anthony Edwards playing the two. And as expected, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert start alongside each other to form a monstrous starting frontcourt.

The most interesting piece in this lineup is likely the third-year wing Jaden McDaniels starting at the three. After coming off the bench for the majority of his first two professional seasons, McDaniels earns the start in this potential lineup.

Jaden’s inclusion with the starters certainly makes sense. Highly skilled and standing at 6’9″, his ability as a 3-and-D player could be a real ceiling-raiser for the Timberwolves over the course of the season.

Knocking down threes at a rate of 34% for his career and consistently being relied on as both a perimeter and interior defender, McDaniels has what it takes to be an effective starter in year three. His inclusion in this lineup rounds out what would be the most effective overall starting unit for Minnesota.