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Minnesota’s biggest challengers in the NBA Northwest division

By Brennan Sims

Jan 16, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is defended by LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) and guard Patrick Beverley (21) in the second half at Staples Center. The Jazz defeated the Clippers 129-109. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is defended by LA Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell (5) and guard Patrick Beverley (21) in the second half at Staples Center. The Jazz defeated the Clippers 129-109. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Portland Trailblazers

After playing 29 games in 2021-22, Damian Lillard is back for the Portland Trailblazers. Lillard has been facing the Timberwolves up to four times a year for a decade now, and as such is quite familiar with his opponent.  But that works both ways, and Timberwolves fans are very familiar with his game as well. He has a new-look team around him as the Blazers try to finish higher than their dead-last defensive rating a season ago.

Two-way wing Jerami Grant was their key addition this off-season. He’s the type of player that will draw the Anthony Edwards assignment to start games, and he is versatile enough to put up points as well as shut down all but the most determined scorers on the other end of the basketball court.

Teammate Gary Payton II was another pickup to address their defensive woes. Payton was one of the best point-of-attack defenders last year and boasted a 3.4 steals percentage, per Cleaning The Glass.

The upper-end talent just isn’t there for the Blazers this season. Anferenee Simons is a talented young player with a very consistent jump shot. He or Grant will likely be the Trail Blazers’ second option behind Lillard.

That’s not enough compared to the Timberwolves. Damian Lillard may very well be the best player in the division, but who has a trio as strong as KAT, Ant, and Rudy? It’s going to be tough to match up with their size for the Trailblazers. Portland isn’t on tank watch (not yet anyway) but they won’t be true Timberwolves foes in the Northwest Division crown race.

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